| Product Information |
| - Mini Greenhouse |
Repotting
Cymbidium - | |||
| Repotting
Cymbidiums - transplanting into hydroponics - is well worth the effort.
No more overwatering (or underwatering). The LECA pebbles in our system
promote air flow to the roots and deliver the nutrient
solution to the plant gently and
evenly. In Northern climates, cymbidiums grow
best outside during the summer and fall. The clay pebbles never
breakdown or decay - perfect for outside growng. The best time for transplanting cymbidiums is immediately after flowering. | |||
 | The
flowers have faded away on our plant so let's get started. First, remove the dead flower stems. Using a sharp pruners, cut the flower stem off at the base of the plant. | ||
 | Cymbidiums like to be crowded in the pot so removing the plant from its existing container can be a chore. Gently tap the pot with a hammer to loosen the roots. | ||
 | Grasp the plant and firmly pull upward. These plant have thick, sturdy leaves so they can withstand a strong tug. If the plant and container won't separate, cut the pot with a utility knife. (Always use clean tools when working with plants.) | ||
 | Notice the large, complex root system. Removing the existing growing media can take some time. It's worth the effort. Soaking the rootball for a couple of hours (or overnight) will make it more cooperative. | ||
 | Pull roots apart wherever possible. Be aggressive. Dig in with your fingers. Keep digging and pulling. If you hear a snapping sound, a root broke so back off a little. Chop sticks make excellent tools for poking around between the roots. | ||
 | You're going to need a garden hose for this project. Water from the tap just doesn't have enough pressure to get inbetween the roots. Several trips to the sink are necessary for these plants. Sometimes cutting the rootball is the only way to get inside. | ||
 | Use a clean, sharp knife. Remove all decaying roots. Be aggressive - new hydroponic roots will grow back quickly. | ||
 | Careful! Don't damage new growth tips. | ||
 | Back to the sink for more washing. Notice the smaller root ball this time around. | ||
 | It's a good idea to remove the sheaths around the psuedo bulbs at this time too. Insects like to hide behind them (most likley scale). | ||
 | Choose
a culture pot that allows for 1-2" of room all sides. | ||
 | Cover bottom of culture pot with pebbles. | ||
 | Postion plant and fill with pebbles. | ||
 | Tap down pebbles. Again, be aggressive, filling all the air gaps around the root system. | ||
 | Here's our new plant. As you can see, we're not using an outer pot. This plant is going outside for the summer so a shallow plastic saucer will hold the nutrient solution. The decorative outer pot will collect too much water from rain showers outside. | ||
Cymbidiums like to be crowded so repot into a larger pot only after culture pot has burst. The LECA pebbles will never decay or breakdown so repotting because the growing media has deteriorated is unnecessary. When repotting into a larger pot, simply remove the plant from its old culture pot and transfer to a larger one. No need to remove the clay pebbles inside the root ball - they're as good as new! | |||
| Plant Care for Cymbidium Orchids | |||