Cymbidium Potting Medium?

[RoyalOrchids]

I don't grow many Cymbidiums but I have a few. Years ago, I read about some terrestrial orchid potting mixes and gave one a try. It was equal parts Peat Moss, Pearlite, and Potting Soil . I added a little bit of large fir bark in the bottom. It's really moisture retentive, and pretty airy. My Bletilla and Ludisia LOVE it!

My C. ensifolium has done very well in this mix for years, but the hybrid, grocery store purchases died -- quickly. I just got a couple new seedlings and really want them to do well. Does anyone have a tried and true medium? What about the fir bark based media? Thanks in advance.

[Des]

Use coconut husk chips I have been using it for about 7 years now and it really works well for me

[RoyalOrchids]

Plain CHC and nothing else? Coarse, medium, or fine?

[smweaver]

I use coconut husk chips--the coarse grade--for larger (adult) cymbidiums, and as Des indicated, it works very well, staying nice and airy while retaining lots of moisture. I don't add anything to the pots other than about a one inch layer of styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom for drainage, and I haven't had a single cymbidium lose its roots. I do, however, soak the coconut at least three times in a large five gallon bucket filled with RO water, which gets changed every twenty-four hours. Supposedly the chips (according to the vendor) are clean and salt free; however, I would rather err on the side of being cautious than lose a plant to salt poisoning. For smaller cymbidiums, I would imagine that the smaller grade coconut chips would work just as well for them.

[stonedragonfarms]

I too use CHC, though I add diatomite to the mix for extra aeration--I would say 80% CHC/20% Diatomite
Like the others, I have never had a problem with Cymbids in this mix. I use the large chunks of CHC regardless of plant size, the only exception being for dug-ups or just-out-of-flask seedlings (they spend the first 1~2 seasons in sphagnum)
Adam

[RoyalOrchids]

Thanks to all. You're the best!

Looks like it's unanimous. CHC it is! FirstRays, here I come.

[orchids3]

I also recommend CHC but believe you need to put something in it to make it drain well if you live in a wet climate as I do. Straight CHC would be my choice if I lived in Calif or Texas but not Florida. In NE Florida I have found a need to add either Pearlite, or Stalite gravel to the mix. 50:50.

[RoyalOrchids]

Thanks for the tip, orchids3. East TX can stay pretty wet too. When I moved from VA I was expecting deserts and cacti. It rained for like three months strait!