Un-tangeling Cym root ball

[fisher60]

I need to re-pot this Cym. The reason is obvious. How in the world do I un-tangle this mess>

[Amanda L]

I am having this same problem!! I was told to cut the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the roots off. Goes against everything we know about orchids, but apparently Cyms need this done. After the cutting is done it will hopefully make things easier. I haven't done mine yet, though. I am dividing mine, so I have to wait for pots.
Good Luck. I'm sure CymLadye will chime in with help. She is the resident expert.

[scy]

For lack of any better ideas, I would personally soak it in lukewarm water for 20 minutes and then use my fingers to gently tease the roots apart while it's underwater in a bucket.

I'm also interested to see how others tackle this time consuming task!

[fisher60]

AmandaL: That's major surgery to me....Ouch!!

[Amanda L]

Yes, major surgery indeed. I might have to hold back tears while I cut my roots, all the while apologizing to my cym! Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by scy

For lack of any better ideas, I would personally soak it in lukewarm water for 20 minutes and then use my fingers to gently tease the roots apart while it's underwater in a bucket.

I'm also interested to see how others tackle this time consuming task!

I do it the same way as you suggested, then trim dead roots off. I think if you cut the bottom off the root ball, you leave it open to rot more easily.

[dounoharm]

cyms can take a surprising amount of ferocity...and i have to get ferocious with mine on occasion....i cut off the bottom half of the root ball, and slice thru the roots on 3-4 sides, then detangle whats left and repot in a deep pot...they will fill the pot with new roots shortly and need to have new media to feed on...i use a sharp machete...gl

[fisher60]

Well, that indeed is major surgery. I still have mine lying on the deck right where they were photographed, drying out. Tomorrow I will attemp some form of surgery and get it re-potted. Will a Phalonopsis mix work for the potting medium?

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

I am having this same problem!! I was told to cut the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the roots off. Goes against everything we know about orchids, but apparently Cyms need this done. After the cutting is done it will hopefully make things easier. I haven't done mine yet, though. I am dividing mine, so I have to wait for pots.
Good Luck. I'm sure CymLadye will chime in with help. She is the resident expert.

Cymladye gave me the same advice when I was repotting last year. I did it and the plant didn't miss a beat. Seems just as happy

[fisher60]

Well, I did it. I cut about 1/3rd off the root ball and un-tangled the rest. It was full of old moss. Should I trim off some more of the roots or go ahead and re-pot?All I have to re-pot it in is some Phal Mix.