Professional cymbidium growers repot throughout the year, but only because they have too many plants to repot at the optimal times, which are in the spring and fall. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t want to over-repot. If you do, you’ll end up with a bunch of plants that are too big for the pot, and you won’t be able to get them to grow as big as you’d like.
Instead, try to keep the size of your pot as small as possible, but not so small that it’s impossible for your plant to take up all the space in it. Also, keep in mind that repots can take a long time, so you may have to wait until the next growing season to try again.
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What kind of soil do cymbidium orchids need?
They are perfect for conditions that are easy to replicate at home: a rich, loose, organic potting mixture. A combination of fir bark, perlite, peat moss, and other loose organic material is recommended by most growers. Fir bark is the most commonly used material, but it can also be found in a variety of other materials. Perlite is also a good choice, as it is easy to work with and has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive.
It can be purchased at most home improvement stores, or you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of coarse sand with 1 gallon of water. Mix the sand and water together, then pour the mixture into a large pot. Cover the pot with a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the sun for a few days. After a week or so, remove the plastic and allow the soil to dry out completely.
You can then use this material as a substrate for your plants. If you want to add a little more nutrients to the mix, you will need to increase the amount of sand you add to your mix by 1-2 cups per 1,000 sq. ft. of growing area.
How often should you repot cymbidium orchids?
Re-potted cymbidiums need to be divided every 3-4 years. After they are done flowering is the best time to do it. Any dead or damaged growth and leaves that have fallen to the ground must be removed before splitting.
How do I get my cymbidium orchid to bloom again?
As the temperatures begin to cool, reduce the water you’ll give your Cymbidium, then only water it sporadically in winter. The natural conditions of the orchid should be mimicked by this.
In the spring and summer, you may want to add a little bit of water to the soil around the plant to keep it moist. If you do this, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area, away from other plants and other animals that may be attracted to it.
What is the best fertilizer for cymbidium orchids?
During the growth season (spring through late summer), highnitrogen fertilizer (such as 30-10-10) is used. Use a high-phosphorus, blossom-boosterfertilizer in the late summer to help form bloom spikes. Fertilization is done at full strength every week to two weeks. Fertilizing once a week is recommended in the winter.
In the fall, the plants are ready to be transplanted to a new location. Plant the transplants in a well-drained pot and cover them with a layer of peat moss to keep the soil moist during the winter. The plants should be allowed to dry out completely before transplanting them to the new site.
Do cymbidium orchids like to be root bound?
The primary reason that cymbidium orchid plants stop growing is due to dividing them. They bloom their best when their roots are well-drained and the soil is moist.
Do cymbidiums like full sun?
Good filtered light or sun until 1-2pm is best for Cymbidiums. The sun is shining in the summer. Under a tree or shade house is the best place to light up. Feed once or twice a week with 1/2 to 3/4 cup per plant per week.
Do not feed more than once a month. Feeding too often can cause the plant to over-produce and produce too much of its own fertilizer, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
