Cymbidium Orchid Tips

Although there are still a few weeks of winter to go, many plants for sale at nurseries are in full bloom. Cymbidium orchids in particular are looking spectacular. If the ones at your place aren't looking so good, just follow Don's tips and you'll have wonderful flowers on your cymbidium orchids in no time.

• Grow in specialist cymbidium orchid potting mix with good drainage. The potting mix is made up of pine bark, peat, coarse sand and polystyrene. Mix in more fine pine bark for even better results. Don't use ordinary potting mix, and don't grow these plants in soil in the ground.
  
• Maintain moist potting mix by watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather and fertilise with specialist orchid fertiliser, such as Nitrosol and Aquasol (available from most nurseries). Different formulations are available to encourage flowering and growth. Consult the container for recommended rates of application.
• Keep in a shaded spot such as under deciduous trees, on a well lit verandah or in a shadehouse but make sure that plants receive enough light to flower. Lush green leaves and few flowers indicate that your cymbidiums are too shaded. Divide after flowering when the plant fills the pot and replant segments into new pots with orchid potting mix.
• Snails and slugs love to eat the flowers. They hide under the rim of the pots and come out to feed at night. Use snail bait or check plants and pots thoroughly for snails and slugs.

Further information

Cymbidium orchid potting mix costs from $2.50 for a 5 litre bag up to $14 for a 50 litre bag. Check the August edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine. In it you'll find a detailed article with all the information you need on growing cymbidiums.

 

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