Propagation Methods and Key Cultivation Techniques for Cymbidium Orchids

Propagation is usually done by division. The best time to divide is after the plant has flowered but before the new shoots have grown large, during this brief dormant period. The plant should be dried properly before division, and the operation should be carried out when the roots are slightly whitish and soft. Vigorous plants are usually divided once every 2-3 years, and each divided clump of orchid seedlings should carry 2-3 pseudobulbs, one of which must be newly formed in the previous year.

To prevent wound infection, sulfur powder or charcoal powder may be applied. Place in a dry spot for 1-2 days, then pot separately to form new plants. After potting, place in partial shade and do not water immediately. If the plant becomes too dry, spray a small amount of water on the leaves and the surface of the pot to prevent the leaves from drying out, dropping off, and the pseudobulbs from severely shriveling. Water only after new roots grow from the base of the new shoots.

For flower Cymbidium orchids, 2 parts fern roots, 1 part charcoal moss, or bark chunks 1.5-2 cm in diameter can be used as potting medium, and some granular material such as crushed brick or charcoal may also be added. Choose tall pots with a diameter of 15-20 cm, with 2-4 seedlings per pot.

Flower Cymbidium orchids prefer higher air humidity. In spring, summer and autumn, while providing plenty of water to the roots, the leaves should also be sprayed frequently. However, during the brief dormant period after flowering in early spring, watering must be reduced, and more water can only be given once the new shoots have grown larger new roots.

Flower Cymbidium orchids are large plants with luxuriant growth and need significantly more fertilizer than ordinary Chinese orchids, so fertilization should be strengthened during the growing season. Generally, fermented cake fertilizer can be mixed with 1/3 clay, then water added to make balls about 2 cm in diameter, and dried in the sun for later use.

In spring, place them on the surface of the pot at a certain distance from the new shoots, and the fertilizer will slowly release nutrients for the orchid's growth. They can be applied twice a year, a few pellets per pot. Well-fermented liquid farmyard manure can also be applied once every 1-2 weeks. A sprayer can also be used to spray the leaves and pot surface with a 1:1:1 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer at a concentration of 3-5%, 1-2 times a week. Stop fertilizing in late autumn.

Cymbidium orchids have stronger resistance to pests and diseases than ordinary Chinese orchids, but during growth they are still attacked to varying degrees by various diseases. Therefore, strengthening prevention is an important measure for growing orchids well. Generally, every 10 days, alternately spray both sides of the orchid leaves with a 1000-fold dilution of chlorothalonil or carbendazim.