Asian Cymbidium Orchids, traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese Orchid Containers

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Reproduction of Cymbidiums

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Reproduction of Cymbidiums

Asian Cymbidiums are reproduced through meristem culture, division, and seeding. Meristem culture has worked well on some hybrids but has had mixed success on the species, often causing disfigured plants or recession of desirable traits such as variegation. Seeding can causes recession or dominance of traits, and is sometimes used in creating new variations. For consistency of species lines and variations, the main method of reproduction, even in commercial growing, is through division of the plants.

For dividing plants as a hobbyist

Carefully remove the plant from the pot removing the media from the roots. Identify a large space between the growths. Break the growths either by tearing them or with a sterilized knife. Be careful to avoid a single stem. Divisions with two or more stems and full root systems will survive the dividing much better. Elemental sulfur can be applied to the point of division to reduce chance of contracting disease. Withered leaves and bulbs should be trimmed off and discarded. After the plant has "dried" for 24 hours it is ready to repot. Asian Cymbidiums should be divided every one to two years. Even though they like constricted roots, being pot bound makes it difficult to satisfy their heavy feeding requirements

Repotting the Chinese Way

1. Prepare the pots and media before beginning the potting process. Clay pots need to be soaked in water over night. Media should be thoroughly pre-wetted. Take the division that has been allowed to dry over night.

2. Hold the plant upside down under a stream of high volume low-pressure water to remove any old media. Avoid damage to the roots and leaves.

3. Insert the cone into the bottom of the pot pointing upwards

4. Fill the bottom inch of the pot with pea gravel.

5. Hold the stem of the plant with thumb and index finger and use the little finger to support the edge of the pot. Insert bamboo chopsticks to stabilize the root

6. Then fill the pot to about an inch from the rim with media mix of medium size. Tap the pot to seat the media.

7. Remove the chopsticks; again tap the side of the pot to compact the media to eliminate air pockets and large voids.

8. Fill the upper portion of the pot with finer media to the upper edge of the opening.

9. Use a block to press the media and make the surface even. Do not crush the roots.

This two-part article appeared in the American Orchid Society Magazine "Orchids" in July 1999 and August 1999. All photographs are copyright of Charles Marden Fitch 1999 and cannot be used without permission of him or the author.