I have a stupid question, but why is this in a house? Are you in Europe? I
have a friend that blooms these indoors in England, the weather is just too
inclement to grow Cyms outside like we do here.

Well, it certainly seems to be a well grown plant. Otherwise, as you said,
you can get them to flower but just not bloom, so you are 75% of the way.

You don't say whether you get the spikes wet when you water. Try watering
only the potting medium next time a spike starts to form and see if that
helps. Don't try to get the spike or leaves wet so bacteria/fungus won't be
encouraged to grow. As the spike emerges its a tight whorl and water gets
trapped inside and starts this sort of problem. Also I don't see any sort
of fan in the growing area, but it may be out of frame. Increasing airflow
will help plants dry off by nightfall ('don't send your plants to bed with
wet feet' is a rule. Their leaves and spikes should be dry by nightfall.)

I can't remember the proper time to repot a Cym, but it can be critical to
reblooming. If I recall correctly you said you've given portions of this
plant to other people which have bloomed for them, so if you can remember
the time of year at which you divided the Cym and repot it into fresh mix,
just so you can check its roots. I'd try that after correcting my watering
habits. Sometimes bacteria etc enter the plant through rotten roots.
However, usually that attacks the *whole* plant rather than just the spike.

My two cents,

K Barrett





"gerald" wrote in message
...
I have posted pictures of my sick cymbidium he

http://slawecki.com/cymbidium/

the plant is indoors. came in when temps got down to under 40
degrees. Is in a relatively humid environment, where cats and dens
are happy.

the shoots started just about the time the plant came in. the buds
form, then turn brown rot. 2 of 3 shoots(spikes?) are brown rot. this
plant is over 12" in dia, and each bulb is over 2" in dia.

any assistance as to what is the brown rot?