Divide and multiply cymbidiums

Unlock your orchid’s full potential! Divide cymbidiums every few years to refresh growth and multiply flowers.

A cymbidium is a gift that keeps on giving. With the right care, one plant can become many. Dividing your orchid isn’t just about maintenance, it’s a chance to rejuvenate your plant, share the beauty and encourage more blooms. After the final flower fades in late winter or early spring, your cymbidium enters a brief rest. That’s your moment to divide, refresh and set the stage for another spectacular season.

 

How to divide cymbidium orchids

STEP 1

Remove the orchid from its pot, gently easing the roots free with an old bread knife. You may need to break the pot if the roots are tightly bound. Place the large, congested clump of orchid bulbs on a lawn or firm surface. Insert two long-handled garden forks back-to-back through the centre of the clump.

STEP 2

Push the handles apart to prise the roots and bulbs into two smaller sections. Don’t worry if up to 15 per cent of the roots are lost in the process.

STEP 3

Carefully prune or twist off any dead, black, spongy or diseased bulbs. Take your time removing old, unproductive bulbs and roots, leaving 4 to 5 thick, healthy roots that are grey to creamy white. Trim these roots back by 40 to 50 per cent.

STEP 4 (not pictured).

Clean and disinfect your pot using eucalyptus oil diluted in water. Use 30cm pots for larger clumps and 15cm pots for smaller clumps with 2 to 3 bulbs.

STEP 5

Enrich the orchid bark with a handful of orchid fertiliser pellets (we used StrikeBack for Orchids).

STEP 6

Position orchid in the pot and backfill to cover the roots, ensuring the bulb and leaves sit above soil level. Water in well using a diluted seaweed solution. Position your newly potted orchids in dappled shade beneath a tree or under shadecloth to protect them from the harsh summer sun.







 

On-going care

From mid-January, gradually move your orchids into full morning sun, while continuing to protect them from harsh westerly sun. During extreme heat, temporary shading may be needed. Apply a liquid orchid fertiliser weekly until May to support strong flower production. Water once a week during warm weather.

 

For you to know   

Cymbidiums thrive in cool to warm temperate climates with temperatures between 4–25°C. In cold regions, a glasshouse will support healthy growth and flowering.

TOP TIP

Stake cymbidium spikes to keep them upright and showcase their stunning blooms.







A mature, healthy cymbidium orchid often produces multiple flower spikes, putting on a truly spectacular display.