Quote:
Originally Posted by littleflower
Wow, thank you so much Roberta for all the great information! I live in GA, so it will remain indoors. I will repot but can you tell me more about dividing?
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Outdoors is best for most of the year. It needs the natural temperature variation and light that it gets outside. Just bring it in when there is danger of frost. So maybe 3 months inside at most unless you're in the mountains.
I'm pretty sure that repotting is in order because to get to blooming, the plant has probably been in that pot 2-3 years, and the bark starts to break down. When it becomes mud, it suffocates roots. Fresh bark gives air and drainage. Dividing is very likely NOT needed, however.
As far as dividing is concerned, no rush to do that... can't tell from the photo what size pot it's in. I go up to 2-gallon (8 inch) pots maximum, then it's time to divide because otherwise the beasts get too hard to handle. If it's in a 1-gallon pot, it can go back in if it fits. When you repot, roots that are mushy, or that come off with a gentle tug can be removed. Leafless pseudobulbs (back bulbs) can be left in place if they are firm and green. If mushy or shriveled, they can be removed. If firm and there are lots of them, some can be removed to get it back into a reasonable-sized pot, but don't overdo it. If the plant is overgrown, divisions should have 3-5 pseudobulbs (including firm back bulbs) at least. But if it's not too huge, leave it intact. Don't overpot - if it is in a 1 gallon pot and fits back in, do so. If it seems to want to expand, you can go to the next size, but they bloom better when potbound (they like "tight shoes". And too much pot stays too wet so much better to do it again in a year or two than to overpot. Pack the bark firmly with your fingers and thumbs... no potting sticks. If you can pick it up by the leaves and it stays in the pot, you have done it right.
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