| There
are so many "big" questions when discussing
orchid growing. How often do I water? What kind of fertilizer
should I use? What is the best potting mix? Hobbyists
feel comfortable with these questions and easily understand
the answers. There are, however, questions hobbyists
fear to ask because they fear the answers. Two topics
that trigger this fear are dividing and repotting orchids.
Hobbyists that brave the questions usually will walk
away shaking their heads knowing they should not have
asked and promise never to ask again. So let's put this
in writing to be read in private and practiced without
anyone even knowing!
Let's begin one step at a time. When do I divide and
repot my orchid? That simple question has two parts.
Part A: When does my orchid need to be divided or repotted?
Part B: When is the best time to divide my orchid? These
are simple questions with simple answers - really!
There are signs that indicate the need for repotting
and/or dividing your orchid. One year your cattleya
produced 20 magnificent 6-inch blooms. The next year
it produced only 6 blooms that measured 4 inches across
on only one side of the plant. Another sign is that
the newest growth is smaller than the last growth. Each
new growth should mature taller and stronger than the
previous growth. These are the two most dependable guides.
Would it be best for the orchid if I just repotted it
into new mix or would it be best if I divided it and
repotted the divisions? This all depends on how large
the orchid. If the orchid is outgrowing a four-inch
pot, repotting is most likely the solution. If the root
mass is cracking an eight-inch clay pot (you are an
excellent grower!), dividing and repotting this magnificent
specimen would be the best choice.
Another important consideration is the condition of
the orchid. If the orchid is starting to deteriorate
with lots of old shriveled back bulbs or if the center
of the plant is dying off as the outer parts continue
to thrive, then it would be best to divide the orchid,
discarding the dying parts.
If you have decided that your orchid in a four-inch
pot has outgrown its container, repot it after it has
bloomed. Clean off the old medium entirely and simply
step it up to a new six-inch pot with new potting medium.
Now you have grown this orchid into a specimen that
even impresses you! The plant is in great condition,
but it's just too big or has moved past its prime. Now
it is time to consider dividing and repotting. Bookmark
this: The orchid is a lady. Timing is everything! The
orchid will decide when to divide and later when to
repot. You are no longer in control. She will direct
you. Once you accept this, you and your orchids will
bond.
Divide only when your orchid is putting out new leads.
By dividing when she is in this stage of growth, more
new growth will be activated. To divide, select the
place or places to cut the orchid. Cut through the rhizome
with a sharp, sterile instrument. Sprinkle a little
cinnamon on the newly cut rhozome and mark the division
with a clean label or a piece of bark. These markers
will make it obvious where the surgery was done. This
completes the dividing segment. Set the plant back on
the bench and water and fertilize her as usual. Wait
for her signal to repot. Be patient. Repotting is next,
but it may be several months before it's time.
Timing is everything. You're doing what is best for
the orchid. She will reward you. Watch for new roots.
The time to repot is when your orchid is establishing
new roots. Allow the roots to grow to two to three inches
before repotting. Remove the plant from the pot, wash
off all old medium, and gently separate all the divisions
you have created. Now you may repot all of the new divisions.
This two step procedure will reward you with stronger
divisions that will bloom sooner than if divided and
repotted at your convenience. You have lessened the
stress of major surgery. Most of these divisions will
bloom during their next bloom cycle. That's the reward!
Finally, if your orchid has gone way, way past its prime,
it might be best for the orchid just to be repotted.
Then let it gain strength before dividing.
Growing orchids is fun and rewarding. Dividing and repotting
your orchids is part of the fun. All you have to do
is let your plants tell you what they want - just like
a lady. And if you do what she wants, she'll reward
you with lots of wonderful blooms! Happy growing.
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