I know this plant needs separating, but have never tried doing this before.
I'm assuming I should take it out of the container, remove the potting mix and work it apart. Then, repot both parts in new containers with fresh mix.
Anything else I should keep in mind?
Thanks!
Barb
Have you already taken care of it? I would have potted up and not divided. They like to be tight so just something enough to accommodate another set of canes to the outside. If you have not divided it and want to you should cut it with a clean razor blade and toss the blade. Always use a clean blade and cut, rather than pull away. I usually leave divided orchids upright in a clean terracotta pot, without medium, for a few days to dry heal the cut/s. You can dust off the roots and cut/s with cinnamon which is antiseptic. Check for snails or other critters. Wash old medium off of roots and cut away dead and shriveled roots. Some growers like to cut 25-30% of the viable roots to encourage new root growth and to get the orchid better situated in its new pot.
Thank you. I haven't done anything yet. The reason I want to divide, as opposed to potting it up is where I keep it in the summer. All my orchids live in the fronds of my pindo palm tree. It's almost too big to do that now, so an even bigger pot wouldn't work.
I will do as you described. Thank you!!
Barb
Many of that type Den. are winter bloomers. If it hasn't bloomed recently I'd wait 'til after bloom.
MayPopLaurel, I agree, but there is no sign of a bloom stalk and this plant was beyond root bound.
I finally got it out of the container and it's nothing but roots. I was going to make two plants, but it really needed to be split into three. I also cut three Keikis off.
It's going to be MUCH happier now.
Thanks for all the advice.
Barb
Here they are all potted up. I put the kekies in one pot, it's all I have room for right now.
Barb
Looks great! Very nice pots too. Those pots are traditionally used for small Cymbidiums.
I didn't realize different Genuses would prefer different pots, other than Vandas.
Barb
The simplest explanation is it depends on how and where they are being grown. Beyond that, most home grown orchids are epiphytes and prefer no pots. Cymbidiums and Paphiopedilums are terrestrial so roots better tolerate retained moisture. Glazed ceramic pots with lots of openings are beautiful but tend to stay wet even with all the openings. Specialty unglazed terracotta orchid pots, which can breath and have drainage side openings are preferred.
Vandas are grown in baskets to anchor that monopodial stem and encourage a vertical growth pattern without curves. They don't necessarily grow that way in situ but it's preferred for show. It's a people preference not a plant one. Mine grow every which way. Also, since they require higher light than most other orchids, the attached hangers allow them to be positioned close to the greenhouse roof where they will get maximum light exposure..
