Question regarding 1/2/3 (sometimes) rooted stem division

[aparnamane]

One of the ebay seller always have orchids to sale as 1/2/3 stem, sometimes rooted stem for sale, wondering if anyone have bought similar divisions and survived, does it take long time to establish (I know every orchid is different but in regards to get 1/2 stem division instead of seedlings).

Would appreciate for the reply.

Thanks.

[greyblackfish]

I got my first cattleya division in May. It arrived with 4 pbulbs, no active growth, and no plump roots. I potted it as I normally would with any cattleya and it started a new lead within the month. I think it has to do with timing. I don’t think the newest growth will get as big as the last growth, but maybe next year’s will be close. For the price I got it for, I certainly don’t mind.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by greyblackfish

I got my first cattleya division in May. It arrived with 4 pbulbs, no active growth, and no plump roots. I potted it as I normally would with any cattleya and it started a new lead within the month. I think it has to do with timing. I don’t think the newest growth will get as big as the last growth, but maybe next year’s will be close. For the price I got it for, I certainly don’t mind.

Thanks greyblackfish for reply.

Wondering if same rule applies for 2-3 stem / pbulb or have to have minimum 3 pbulbs, as this particular seller mentions rooted 1 /2 stems. I do have two cattleyas brought as a division of 3 or more pbulbs from esty seller and they are putting new growth and roots.

Thanks

[greyblackfish]

1-2 growths in a division does seem questionable, doesn’t it? My division only has 2 leaves. The others are just the pbulbs, but I’m sure even those help the new growth. I still don’t have any new roots. Maybe if the listing says rooted division, it wouldn’t be too bad.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by greyblackfish

1-2 growths in a division does seem questionable, doesn’t it? My division only has 2 leaves. The others are just the pbulbs, but I’m sure even those help the new growth. I still don’t have any new roots. Maybe if the listing says rooted division, it wouldn’t be too bad.

I think so. I will update here if I decide to get one as a experiment.

[K-Sci]

As was noted, success depends on the orchid, its health, growth stage, division location, root condition, and your growing environment and skills.

I reluctantly bought a well-grown 2-bulb ‘Chris’ Bronze Beard’ division in mid-July. By winter, it produced a small new leaf, followed by a full-size growth that flowered in the spring—an unusual result for me. Two key factors contributed: the new season's roots were emerging, and the seller's orchids were exceptionally well-grown.

Typically, even strong 2-bulb divisions of monofoliate cattleyas take three years to bloom. Three-bulb divisions may bloom the next year but could skip a year, while 4-bulb divisions often bloom the following year.

Bifoliate cattleyas are more temperamental; if not divided during active root growth, they can suffer serious setbacks or waste away. In my experience, smaller bifoliate divisions often need an extra year or two to bloom.

I would hesitate to buy a one-bulb division, especially if intentionally cut by the seller, as it raises concerns about their practices and motivations. At best I'd expect a two year to recover.