Cymbidium Pseudobulb Changes After Cleanup: Normal Aging vs. Rot

Breann's Cymbidiums: 2 of 4 have older pseudobulbs shriveling, pale yellow-brown after removing old dark bulbs and tunics 4 days ago. Switched to distilled/rainwater + orchid fertilizer from softened well water. Expert: healthy pseudobulbs = firm. Old bulbs naturally turn dark brown, shrivel. They support new growth: (1) basal eyes for new growth, (2) nutrient storage. Removing them deprives new growth and exposes cut tissue to infection. Only remove if rotten (squeezable collapse)—seal cuts with sulfur powder. Or for division (take interconnected group) at new growth start. Seal wounds.

Cymbidiums like tight pots—repot 2–3 years. Fall nights 40s°F set buds. Gradually increase summer light. Rainwater low minerals—need Mg/Ca in fertilizer. Hard water can supplement. Avoid coastal sodium salts.