Getting Laelia to branch out?

[james mickelso]

Here's the deal. If you cut off the new lead, what happens? The old pbulb will throw out a new lead from the latent buds. And most likely the next pbulb and even possibly the next one will also throw out new buds. That is the reasoning behind making a cut two thirds of the way through the rizome behind the second pbulb and so on. Works for me. That is also what happens when you divide a catt or laelia. The new (old) lead will then push a new bud or two. If you cut all the way through, then you are left with only two pbulbs but if you only cut part way through, they are all still intact as a group supplying sugars throughout the group. Think about it. If you want to try it, just cut part way through the last two old pbulbs and see what happens. I dust the cut with cinnamon just in case.

[escualida]

James thanks for the explanation, if I do that would I still technically have one plant or two? It doesn't really affect me because I'll probably not be entering it for judging at all but just out of curiosity, if someone does that does the plant still qualify as one and be eligible for judging?

[james mickelso]

I would assume so as it is still intact. What is happening with the plant is the flow of sap, energy, is partially confined in each pair of old pbulbs and allows the dormant buds more energy. The plant in effect says "hey I need to push more buds out. Something is eating my rizome and I should produce offspring". Something like that anyway. You are not severing any part of the rizome. Just impeding the flow of sap somewhat. I started cutting only halfway through and it worked well. I just think that with 6 pbulbs already there it should have pushed multiple leads already.

[escualida]

Thanks James that's really interesting I love learning new things about orchids.

I will definitely try that, when do you think is best to make the cut? Right now it has a new growth that is about an inch tall which actually started when a lead which was about three inches tall on the other side of the last pbulb broke off during shipment. So basically the pbulb that this one is coming out of has used both of its eyes.

Maybe if it had stayed it would have grown this one anyway? Of course it's impossible to know, right?

So when do you think I should make the cut? Should I wait for this one to mature and possibly bloom? Or should I do it right now?

Also, should I make the cut right in the middle of two pbulbs or closer to one than the other?

Thanks again for all your help!

[james mickelso]

count back from the new lead to the third old pbulb. Cut anywhere between the third and fouth old pbulbs. It doesn't have to be exact. Just on the rizome between the third and fourth old pbulbs. Try that. If the new lead is growing that means the orchid is gathering energy. Just make the cut two thirds of the way through. The cut there will leave three pbulbs to feed the new lead. Most likely the new lead won't have any roots yet. You can wait until it does.

[escualida]

I will do that, thanks so much for all your help, the new lead does not have new roots yet so I will wait until it does and do it then. I can't wait. Thanks again!