dividing Bulbophyllum dentiferum

[Dima]

I have a Bulbophyllum dentiferum for two years now, and over time it has rambled far out of its flowerpot and onto the wire-mesh shelf it sits on. I would like to divide it. The questions are: (1) where do I cut the rhizome - close to the older bulb, midway between bulbs, or close to the newer bulb? The rhizomes are fairly long, between 2" and 4" each. (2) How many bulbs should there be in the new division? (3) When is the best time to divide? Right now it's growing two new bulbs (one on each rhizome coming out of the flowerpot), with the new bulbs not yet full-size but the new leaves approaching full size already. Should I wait or should I divide now? Thank you in advance!
P.S. to clarify: the rhizome length is 2-4" between two bulbs, not the total length, of course . There are 14 bulbs in total: 4 in the flowerpot and 5 on each of the two rhizomes coming out of the flowerpot.

[Louis_W]

1) I would cut it in the center of the rhizome, but just avoid damaging the bulbs and roots and you should be fine. Also be sure to seal the cut with cinnamon.

2)I would make sure that there are three bulbs on each. Any less and you risk setting the plant back.

3) Divide it when its growing actively. If its producing roots when you plant it into a new pot then it will adapt faster to its conditions.

4) IMHO its better not to divide for a few reasons:
-A bigger plant is stronger and faster growing
-A big plant is much more impressive
-allowing it to get large means it never has to suffer the setback of division.
-Who doesnt love to see a giant plant covered with hundreds of flowers! I do!

I would either find a way to twist the growths back into the pot it has, or plant it in a basket, mount it or put it in a big shallow dish like a bonsai pot. You can also guide the growths using the light to get them to go in a convenient direction.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you do decide to divide, I actually recommend at least 5 bulbs per division with at least 2 new leads, for Bulbos rather than 3. This is my personal preference.

I'm just not comfortable with a small 3 bulb division w/ no leads. The odds of survival can be on the low end, imo.