Cymbidium Expert Q&A: Fertilizer, Pot Sanitizing, Mix, Epsom Salt, New Plants

10-Year Collector, 60+ New Plants, 5–10 Spikes on Some

Hayward, CA grower seeks optimization.

1. Romeo Dry Fertilizer / Best Mix

Unfamiliar with Romeo. Traditional mix: fir bark + charcoal + perlite. Coconut husk chips need triple-rinsing (high salts). If using, blend into traditional mix for longevity. Contact Santa Barbara Orchid Estate (local specialists) for regional mix/fertilizer advice.

2. Pot Sanitizing

10% bleach soak, 20 minutes—kills virus particles (major Cymbidium risk). Physan 20 okay but bleach is cheaper/reliable.

3. Epsom Salt

Leaches mineral salts from mix. Use fall and spring. ½ cup per gallon water. Find at pharmacy (laxative aisle).

4. 60 New $10 Plants—Quarantine & Prevention

• Isolate (good).
• Physan 20 preventative spray: yes.
• For black spot on leaves: copper fungicide (Kocide) on new growth.

Resources

• Santa Barbara Orchid Estate: sborchid.com
• Hatfield Orchids (Oxnard): hatfieldorchids.com
• Casa de las Orquideas (San Diego): orquideas.com

Impressive collection—focus on mix freshness and virus prevention.