On 16/02/2014 20:29, David Hill wrote:
On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


I don't know if you know about "Back bulbs" with Cymbidiums Spider?
http://people.aapt.net.au/aussieorch...backbulbs.html
I first came across them many years ago at Wild Court Orchids where they
had them in a plastic bag mixed in with orchid compost.
David



Well, I'm aware of back bulbs where they occur and recognise them on my
Cyms, Cambrias and Phals. I even knew they could be used as propagation
material, but the last time I tried it I failed. Oddly enough, I almost
tore a back bulb off one half of my resulting two cyms, but decided to
leave it on the plant. I wish I'd separated it now! That link is
really interesting, so I'm going to print it off and store it in one of
my orchid guides for future use. I have another couple of Cyms waiting
to be potted on, so I'll have a go with one or two of the back bulbs on
those.

Thank you so much for passing that on.
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay