"David Hill" wrote

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.

Wyld Court Orchids, there's a name from the past, I seem to remember the
growers name was Eddy (?) and he had a stunning Birman cat which prompted us
to go and get two from the same breeder. Next you will tell me you remember
Thatched Lodge Orchids out at Aldermaston (Having to drive past those scary
women camping by the wire was fun, not) and Stonehurst Nursery at Ardingly
near Wakehurst which also did camellias. I still have a Zygopetalum orchid
given to me by the lads at Thatched Lodge.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK