Generally speaking, you can always find specialized orchid potting mix at your local garden center. It usually checks all the boxes for what the plant needs, so you really can’t go wrong with it. However, pre-mixed orchid soil can get pretty pricey. The good news? You can easily whip up your own DIY substrate for your Cymbidiums at home!
Soil Requirements
Cymbidium orchids aren’t super hungry for nutrients, but they absolutely crave excellent drainage. Standard potting soil or garden dirt just won’t cut it for these somewhat finicky beauties. A mix of orchid bark and mulch usually does the trick, but you can also get a bit more creative with your own custom blend.
Mixing a Comprehensive Cymbidium Substrate
If you want to go all out, here’s what you’ll need:
- Peat moss
- Bark mulch
- Sand
- Garden soil
- Styrofoam beads (perlite works great too!)
Mix these all together, and you’ve got yourself a top-tier substrate that your Cymbidiums will love.
Simple Three-Ingredient Mixes
You don’t actually need a long list of ingredients to keep your orchids happy. A simple three-part mix works just fine. For example, try combining bark mulch, peat moss, and a few styrofoam beads to create a lightweight, airy home for your orchid.
If you’re looking for a peat-free alternative, try mixing equal parts compost, coconut coir (coco peat), and sphagnum moss. This is a fantastic eco-friendly option that still provides the structure your Cymbidiums need.
Repotting Your Cymbidium Regularly
You’ll need to break out that fresh soil whenever your orchid outgrows its current home and it’s time to repot it. The best time to do this is right after the blooming season, which usually happens during the fall and winter.
Once spring rolls around, gently remove the plant from its old pot. Give the root ball a good cleaning and trim away any soft or mushy roots. Then, simply place the orchid into a slightly larger pot with your fresh mix. While you’re at it, this is also the perfect time to divide larger orchids if you want to propagate them and grow your collection!
