How to force dormant eyes on p'bulbs to grow

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I have read somewhere, not sure where, that you can cut a notch in the rhizome between the p'bulbs to make a dormant eye develop without having to completely separate the plant. Does anyone know how to do this? I know I kind of already said what to do, but is there any specifics I need to know? I would prefer to have my Catts having multiple leads instead of one!

[smweaver]

I would only try this on a large, very healthy plant. It will work, as I found out many years ago when I inadvertently cut through a rhizome and left both pieces in the same pot, only to find a new growth emerging from a formerly dormant eye on a backbulb. I don't think that there's any great technique involved. Just make sure that your cutting tool is sharp and clean, and then maybe keep the plant a little dryer than usual (i.e. water less often) to allow the cut to heal.

Be aware, however, that if you ever plan to exhibit the plant at some point in the future (especially for a cultural award), I believe this practice is very much frowned upon by orchid judges since it's basically cheating (that is, forcing a plant to become a multi-lead specimen by manipulating it in this way is not the same as having the patience and taking the extra time to nurture a similar plant very well and for a number of years in order to achieve the same result). If, of course, you're not planning on exhibiting it, then I don't see too much of an ethical problem with what you're planning to do.

Good luck with the surgery.

Steve

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Hmmm.... I hope this works! I just did this and I piled some small pieces of charcoal on the notch, I hope this spring I see a new growth from the backbulb, and if not, I will probably just totally cut through the rhizome and then leave it.

[RobS]

When dividing a plant always make sure both parts have a minimum of 3 bulbs remaining.