How to Transplant Cymbidium Orchids

Transplant your cymbidium.

Cymbidium orchids will grow and flower best when their roots are a bit crowded. They only need to be transplanted when the pseudo bulbs start to crowd to the edge of the pot. Cymbidiums bloom from January to April. The best time to transplant is when the blooms have faded for the season.

Things You'll Need

• Pot, next size up
• Knife
• Pruning shears
• Rubbing alcohol
• Moist orchid bark or orchid potting mix

Instructions

1. Gently remove the plant from its container. If you have trouble getting it out, slightly invert and tap the container on something hard. Hold your hand under the plant, and it should slide out into your palm.

2. Remove the old bark out of the roots. Trim the roots back to half their original length with your pruning shears. Make sure that your shears are sterile. You can use rubbing alcohol to sterilize them.

3. If you want to divide your orchid you will want to keep a minimum of three to four healthy, leafed pseudo bulbs with some roots attached per division. Cut with a sterile knife or pruning shears. These divisions will usually skip a blooming cycle.

4. Add moist bark, which has been soaked, to the height you want your orchid to sit in your pot. Dry bark will soak the moisture out of the roots. Do not use too big of a pot. The pot should be a size that will keep somewhat crowded conditions. There should be no more than 2 to 3 inches in between the pot and the plant. Tamp down the bark. Add your orchid, and hold it in place while you fill the rest of the pot with bark, while continuing to tamp down. You do not need a saucer. Good drainage is very important. You don't want your orchid sitting in water, as this will cause the roots to rot.

5. Place your orchid in a shady spot, and water your orchid just a bit or not at all for a few weeks. This will help encourage the roots to grow. After two weeks are up you can move your orchid into a sunnier location, and renew your usual watering schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not transplant while the orchid is blooming.

References

• Herbs2000: Cymbidiums Orchids
• National Garden Association: Cymbidium Orchids