Growing medium for new cymbidium

[the dragonn]

Saw this Cym at my local hardware store and decided to take a chance on it. I've never grown Cyms before and was surprised to find it was growing in what I think is rockwool. The media was extremely dry so I soaked and fed it as soon as I got it home. I am reluctant to repot with new spikes emerging. I've got no idea of how to grow in this type of media and would be grateful for any tips.

[Diane]

I grow my cymbidiums in a mix of 3 parts potting mix, 1 part small bark. I live in a fairly temperate climate here, and many people plant in 100% potting soil or even plant them in the ground. I think it will stand being in the rockwool through blooming if you keep the moisture right. But as soon as blooming is finished, I would repot.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I grow my cymbidiums in a mix of 3 parts potting mix, 1 part small bark. I live in a fairly temperate climate here, and many people plant in 100% potting soil or even plant them in the ground. I think it will stand being in the rockwool through blooming if you keep the moisture right. But as soon as blooming is finished, I would repot.

to what Diane said.

Cheers,
BD

[the dragonn]

Thanks Diane, Bruce but what is the right moisture? Do I let it dry out between waterings or keep it constantly moist? I'm frightened the thing will rot in this stuff.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I have not grown in that stuff before, but our cyms always almost dry out between watering. (The over crowded ones completely dry out and they seem to do as well as the ones that actually fit in their pot and get oncidium care here in our greenhouse. )

Cheers,
BD

[Joan]

Anyone ever grow cyms in Aussie Gold??

[Ron-NY]

cymbidiums need a mix that is fairly loose while also capable of retaining moisture. I use 2 parts fine bark(or CHC), 1 part medium bark(or CHC), 1 part peat moss or a non-soil potting mix (if I don't use CHC, I also add 1/2 part rockwool grow cubes) In the growth season, I top dress with horse manure. ( I grow mine outdoors in the summer.) The more light you give them, the more fertilization they will need. I practically give mine full sun in the summer. If your temperatures don't go below freezing, you may be able to grow them outdoors all year.

[Diane]

My cymbidiums usually dry out for at least the top 3" of medium before watering, although they get more water when in spike and bloom. Mine would die in a mix like ron uses, because of the differences in our growing conditions. You just kind of have to learn how your evironment works.

[the dragonn]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. My outside conditions would be most similar to Ron's, but probably not quite so cold during the winter (-2 or 3 degrees C at most). So I'll try a blend something along your lines. I didn't realize they were so greedy as to top dress with manure, so I'll definitely give that a try.

[mtequine]

So if one were to repot a cym...that is not in bloom (finished this fall)..is this a good time, or should I wait until spring?

Thanks!