Cymbidium orchids are treasured for their graceful sprays of vibrant, long-lasting blooms. With proper care these beautiful orchids will flower faithfully year after year. One of the keys to success with cymbidiums is using the right potting medium. This ensures healthy roots and vigorous growth. In this article, we’ll explore the best potting mixes for cymbidium orchids.
Key Factors for Cymbidium Potting Media
An ideal potting medium for cymbidiums should provide
- Excellent drainage and air circulation
- Balanced moisture retention
- Slightly acidic pH around 5.5 to 6.5
- Large, chunky pieces that resist compaction
- Sterile, pathogen-free
As epiphytes in nature, cymbidium roots appreciate air flow But they also require some moisture retention An acidic pH assists nutrient uptake. Big pieces create air pockets around the roots. Sterile components prevent disease.
With this criteria in mind, let’s look at recommended cymbidium potting mixes.
Bark-Based Orchid Mixes
Cymbidiums thrive in orchid potting mixes containing:
- Fir bark
- Pine bark
- Redwood bark
- Coconut husk
The coarse texture of bark creates exceptional drainage and oxygenation. It also slowly decomposes to provide nutrients before needing replacement.
Aim for mixes with mostly big bark chunks. Small particles hold excess moisture. Monterey Pine bark lasts longer than fir before breaking down.
Sphagnum Moss Blends
Sphagnum moss retains moisture beautifully while allowing air to permeate the roots. It has natural antibacterial properties to prevent rot.
For mature cymbidiums, pure sphagnum moss can be too soggy. But integrating 10-30% into bark potting mix creates a wonderfully airy yet moisture-retentive medium.
High quality New Zealand sphagnum moss is superior to lower grades. It has an exceptional water holding capacity.
Inorganic Materials
Components like perlite, lava rock, expanded clay, and sponge rock boost aeration when blended into potting mixes. They maintain moisture levels without decomposing over time.
Perlite and sponge rock are commonly used in cymbidium blends. The porous pebbles oxygenate the roots while providing water retention.
Coconut Coir
Coconut coir (coconut husk chips) absorbs and retains moisture much better than bark. When combined with bark chunks, coconut coir makes an incredible cymbidium potting medium.
The bark keeps the coir from compacting while the coir lends moisture retention. Together they create the ideal balance of air and hydration.
Specialty Cymbidium Mixes
To simplify selection, use specialty commercial cymbidium orchid mixes. These ready-made blends contain the right components for optimal cymbidium growth.
Some top pre-mixed options include:
- rePotme Cymbidium Imperial Orchid Mix
- Waldor Orchids Cymbidium Orchid Mix
- rePotme Vanda Basket Mix
These quality mixes take the guesswork out of choosing a suitable cymbidium potting medium.
Mixes to Avoid for Cymbidiums
Some potting mixes can harm cymbidium roots:
- Regular potting soil
- Peat or moss-only mixes
- Succulent & cactus blends
- Straight sand, gravel, or ground charcoal
Always read labels carefully. Avoid non-orchid mixes lacking bark, perlite, or other airy materials.
Tips for Repotting Cymbidiums
When it’s time to repot into fresh medium:
- Select an orchid pot 1-2 inches larger than the current container.
- Water the plant the day before to make removal easier.
- Carefully remove the orchid and trim any rotted roots.
- Place a layer of potting mix in the bottom for drainage.
- Position the cymbidium in the pot with newest roots just below the rim.
- Fill around roots with your fresh orchid potting blend, gently firming.
- Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the medium.
- Resume normal care, allowing the medium to dry moderately between waterings.
Repot cymbidiums annually or biennially in fresh, orchid potting mix. This revitalizes the roots and provides proper air and moisture levels.
Give Your Cymbidiums What They Need
A well-aerated potting medium with excellent drainage and moisture retention is crucial for cymbidium orchid health. Use a specialty cymbidium blend or create your own mix containing bark, moss, perlite, and other airy components. Your cymbidiums will reward you with vigorous growth and spectacular blooms.
Blog Network: Martha’s Circle
It’s finally feeling like autumn here in the Northeast with temperatures expected in the mid-50s all this week. My grounds crew is busy putting all of the tropical plants back into the heated greenhouses, where they will stay through the winter. Ryan McCallister, my head gardener, is also busy repotting many of my valuable plants that are in pots. This includes my growing collection of cymbidium orchids.
Cymbidium, or boat orchid, is a genus of more than 50-evergreen species in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Cymbidium orchids are prized for their long-lasting sprays of flowers, used especially as cut flowers or spring corsages. I recently decided it was time to divide and repot my cymbidiums. This is something that should be done every two to three years, or whenever the plant gets too crowded in its pot or the medium stops draining properly.
Here are some photos – enjoy.
Complete Cymbidium Orchid Repotting. step by step guide
FAQ
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