divide lady slippers???

[old plant lady]

HI I AM NEW TO THE BOARD AND COMPUTERS. I KNOW YOU DIVIDE IN THE SPRING,WHAT ABOUT THE NUMBER OF PLANTS . THANKYOU

[naoki]

Are you talking about Paphiopedilum? You could divide them into single growths, but it would take longer for them to flower again. Especially if you have multi-floral paphs, dividing them to single growths is pretty bad (probably better to keep at least 3-5 growths per division). I personally wouldn't divide them unless they can't fit in a reasonable size pot (or when they naturally break during the repotting).

[old plant lady]

THANKYOU, I HAVE UP TO 10 IN ONE 6 INCH POT

[Paul Mc]

Just for your own information since you stated you are new to computers and forums, it may be helpful to you to know that when typing in all CAPS in emails or in forums, it actually is interpreted as a raised voice or screaming. However, we do sometimes use all caps for a single word to emphasize it, but you've got to be careful how it is used as it can still come across negatively.

Just some friendly thoughts for you!

Best of luck with your divisions! Let us know how they turn out!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I used to not know typing in caps meant a raised voice as well, due to the fact that I wasn't into chatting with people online when it first started back in the early 90's.

After learning about the caps thing, I've since used boldfaced letters for emphasis on words, sentences, or phrases, or I may decide to underline them for extra emphasis.

Boldfacing, italicizing, and underlining are features you can find directly above the Quick Reply Message Box/Field. They are characterized by the letters 'B', 'I', and 'U'.

Further tips.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by naoki

Are you talking about Paphiopedilum? You could divide them into single growths, but it would take longer for them to flower again. Especially if you have multi-floral paphs, dividing them to single growths is pretty bad (probably better to keep at least 3-5 growths per division). I personally wouldn't divide them unless they can't fit in a reasonable size pot (or when they naturally break during the repotting).

do you use a sanitised shears or something similar ? does each division have to have roots or do they eventually grow ? I had a look at my 10 fan paph when repotting this last spring and got too nervous to do the "cutting".

[The Orchid Boy]

I use a sharp, sterilized (by running under flame) kitchen knife. The divisions should have roots or they may not make it. Your plant does better and is worth more undivided.

[old plant lady]

I was thinking the larger the pot or plant the longer it would take to dry out, more chance of rot.

[Connie Star]

Welcome to OB, and to computers. Frankly I think the computers are a lot harder than the orchids, and a lot less fun.