NewHorizonOrchids.com

Hopefully the following question is not a naive one.
I am familiar with getting new plants from individual cymbidium back bulbs. I was recently given an odontioda hybrid that has new growth beginning to touch the side of the pot that it was growing in, so I re potted, leaving at least 3 bulbs on the leading growth. There remained 3 attached leafless bulbs, if these were potted up would the group throw a new growth, can see any eyes on the bulbs as is the case with cymbidiums.

Less easy to start, always leave at least two bulbs together. I will guess we get a 25% start of anything we value enough to propagate.

What are you waiting for ..... I never throw away any back bulbs. I just put, even singles, in a small pot with plain bark and wait. It might take up to a year before I count any successes as plants in their own right but there is nothing to lose. Sometimes no luck and the bulb just withers but watered lightly and on a tray high in my greenhouse I guess I get nearer 70% success. I say high in my greenhouse because I have found that some bottom heat helps success so if my propagator is not in use the high shelf works fine.

Thanks will now3 wait and see...,.

When I am dividing my Odont.s while repotting, “backbulbs sections” of three bulbs work best for me, as they retain enough vigour to put out a strong new growth and reach flowering state more quickly.

If any of you guys want to give me back bulbs I shall be more than happy to receive them. Ive been offered this cross by Mathers at either £75 or £125. The higher priced version has larger flowers. Bloody expensive.

I have had luck in growing on single back bulbs as even one is too good to chuck away.

The cross is Odont Joanna Whitely x Desirable. Any thoughts?

Joanne Whitney

A plant is a plant is a plant, and sorry, this one does nothing for me. In fact it just looks a mess and certainly nothing special. The only regular thing about it is Mathers prices £75/£125 which seems to be based on the table of psb numbers in their catalogue without justification about speciality. At least when we have been able to acquire plants from the Foundation in Jersey they have been priced fairly and sensibly. I guess that for Mathers it is all about self aggrandisement rather than supporting or even encouraging the amateur grower.

I would not turn down the opportunity to get a plant but not at that price, clearly 'charity' does not begin at home.