Cymbidium Bacterial Rot Crisis: Emergency Surgery & Club Connections

Diagnosis: Bacterial Infection

Mushy bulbs, clear fluid, rapid spread across locations = bacterial rot (likely Erwinia). Sources: tools, hands, air, water on plant, or pre-infected.

Emergency Surgery (Only Chance)

1. Unpot (pound pot sides).
2. Cut ALL mushy bulbs.
3. Sterilize blade between EVERY cut (flame 1 min or new razor per cut).
4. Check cut base: dark spots = infection spread → cut higher.
5. Clean base? Dust with cinnamon.

Palm Springs Recovery

• Morning sun till 9 AM, then shade.
• Water every 3–4 days (hot) → 4–7 days (cool).
• Full sun when <80°F.
• Outdoor unless <40°F forecast.

SoCal Cymbidium Clubs (Join One!)

• Westside Cym. Soc. – 1st Tue, Santa Monica
• Torrance Cym. Soc. – 2nd Tue, Torrance
• San Gabriel Cym. Soc. – 4th Tue, Arcadia
• Orange County Cym. Soc. – 2nd Wed, Garden Grove (huge Feb show!)

Bacteria Sources

Tools, hands, air, wet leaves, or pre-existing. Slow to show—often too late when seen.

You're Hooked—Good!

Orchids reward obsession. Save this one, join a club, grow more!