Hi there, I just wanted to get more information so that we can help you determine the problem with your cyms.

1. "a lot of white substances on the bottom of leaves"
** Do the white substance look like waxy droplets? or more like fuzzy white clumps? The waxy substance could be indication of scale insects.
If it looks fuzzy/powdery white then it could be residue from mealy bugs. Do an internet search on those two and see if they look similar to what you have on the plants.

2. "deposits between the leaves which look like droppings"
Could they be slug/snail poop? They are also usually accompanied by shiny slime trails. It is possible that some slugs have decided to live inside the pot.

3. "mould amongst the bark chips"
This might not indicate overwatering in itself, but could be an indication that the bark material is no longer drying up as quickly as before. How old is the potting medium?
This might also mean that the pots are in a spot that is too humid, too dark or not getting enough air circulation. (or any combination).

I am not exactly sure how your seasons work except that they are opposite to ours. So you are in or heading into Fall. Where exactly on that curve you are is what I don't know precisely. It is important. Either way I don't think spikes are an early Fall phenomenon, more like early Winter. Are the cyms outdoors? Indoors I'd be afraid that the white 'droppings' are mealy bugs. Outside, ladybugs or other things should have dealt with them. Pictures?

H

Thanks for your response "wetfeet".
1. More like the fuzzy white clumps.
2. Doubtful if it's snails. It COULD be slugs in the mix I suppose although I've repotted some smaller cyms and there was no sight of slugs. It's more like some bug feeding and depositing where the leaves attach to the bulbs.
3. Much of my bark is fairly new. In fact I've noticed mould in freshly potted plants as well. Hmmm ... humidity and air circulation could well be the problem?

On to Howard now ... thankyou also.

Yes, early Autumn/Fall here. I have a nearby friend who has lots of spikes already - frustrating!

My cyms are in an enclosed shadehouse and I had an extra layer of shadecloth for the really hot [over 100 deg F] in January. I also had the door shut for much of the summer which lead my friend to say that airflow could well be my biggest problem. There are also largish trees on the east and west side which my not have helped.

Earlier I'd found that many of my smaller cyms were sitting in very wet mix so I repotted [the wrong time I realize but I had no alternative]. There were quite a few rotten old back bulbs. I'd been misting overhead for a couple of minutes per day and watering thoroughly every night but I've now turned the misters off and backed of on the watering. I've also spread the plants out more.

I guess I want to know do I tackle the larger cyms now big-time and risk missing out on spikes and do I just get some good bug treatment and thoroughly go over each plant?