How to: Repot Cymbidiums

Hey Pete, not sure what the below images are but if they seem fitting, please feel free to include them. Otherwise, there are hero images of cymbidiums as well as the shot with Kent and an action shot of filling in the pot.

Images: How to Divide orchids spring 2006 page 14

Images: Winter Mag 2017 cover and ‘How to Grow’ 20/5/15

How to: Repot Cymbidiums

SELL

Cymbidiums are universally the hardiest and most rewarding orchids. Repot every few years and they’ll give you more blooms.

Words: Graham Ross

INTRO

Every grower has a different formula for growing cymbidium orchids. Though, there is one thing they can all agree on – you must divide and repot. This activity increases the number of plants, improves overall health and ultimately, increases the quantity of flower spikes. Some gardeners find it difficult, so let’s dispel the myths with simple tips for success. It’s all about timing, technique, aspect and feeding.

DIVIDE & CONQUER

If your cymbidiums have roots flying out of the pot or have been in the same pot for four years of more with no flowers, these are signs they need dividing and repotting. The best time to repot is after flowering, between September to November. Here’s how:

Step 1. Remove plant from the pot, using a knife or similar tool to assist, if required.

Step 2. Cut clump in half with a sharp spade or knife. If the clumps are still large, consider splitting again. Don’t worry about the roots.

Step 3. Twist to remove any unproductive grey, black or dead bulbs.

Step 4. Remove 60-70% of old, unproductive roots, leaving 3­-4 thick, fleshy creamy-grey roots. Cut these healthy roots back by 40-50%.

Step 5. Clean pots with disinfectant like eucalyptus oil diluted in water. Pots should be 12” (30cm) for big plants or smaller plants in 8” (20cm) or 6” (15cm) pots. Terracotta is my preference.

Step 6. Replant using a coarse orchid potting mix. In Melbourne, select chunky ‘Orchid Bark’, but in Sydney and Brisbane look for ‘Orchid Compost’. Bury the bulb, ensuring the leaves are sitting on top of the soil.

Step 7. Water in with diluted seaweed solution. Position new plants in the shade of a tree or a under shade cloth until January. After this time, bring them out to enjoy the full morning sun, but take care as middays over 30°C may burn the leaves. It is the sunshine on the bulbs combined with fertiliser that encourages next winters flowers.

Step 8. Feed with an orchid fertiliser like Strikeback, Campbells or similar. Repeat application every 2-3 months until end of next May.