Cymbidium Repotting and Division: 7 Stems, Dying Outer Leaves, Step-by-Step Guide

Question:

What to do with Cymbidium now? Green leaves but outer leaves drying, stem drying. 7 stems in pot—repot? How?

Answer:

Hi Julie,

Outer leaves dying = not unusual. Many dying = mix broken down, needs fresh mix. Spent flower stem = cut off (won't rebloom).

Repotting: not hard, takes time/patience. Buy fine-grade orchid mix (mostly bark) + pot ~same size.

Steps: Remove plant (bang pot sides if stuck). Clean old mix from roots (spread roots deep). Cut soft/mushy roots (dead). Wash roots helps. Add mix to cover pot bottom. Lower roots until bulb bottoms just below rim, centered. Add mix around roots, tap pot sides to settle. Fill, compress gently, add more to top.

Can divide into 2 plants (hence 2nd pot). After cleaning roots, break bulbs apart: 4-bulb + 3-bulb divisions. Pot each as above.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA

Follow-up: Cut all dead leaves?

Follow-up Answer:

Dead leaves fall off naturally. If bothersome, cut off. Try slight pull—many break off cleanly.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA