How many new growths is it normal...

[peeweelovesbooks]

I purchased a Laelia superbiens var. alba 'Don Hubert's Cross' from SBOE and divided the plant in three:


The first division has the spike (which keeps growing and growing). This division has two pseudobulbs and I noticed today it is putting out a new growth.


The second division had two old leafless pseudobulbs. I didn't think this one was going to survive. To my surprise, the thing put out a new growth almost immediately. The new growth put out roots (which already worked themselves into the pot and it's developing a healthy root system). The new growth is growing rapidly.


The third division, which I thought was the healthiest, didn't do much of anything. It consists of 2 fully formed pseudobulbs with each pb having two leaves. It didn't do much until recently, when I noticed that one of the pbs has three new growths starting, and the other one has one.

That's my question--how many growths per pseudobulb is normal?

[prc11]

I usually get one of the newest pseudobulb and then the next year I sometimes get another one off the same pseudobulb off the other growth eye. However, some plants will grow differently.

[Call_Me_Bob]

On some of my catts, although you probably have more experience than me,have two or three eyes. And usually one or two actually do something


You can call me Bob

[Orchidflowerchild]

why did you divide it into such small pieces?

[RobS]

With 3 shoots on a 2 bulb division I'd probalby eliminate at least one.

Also I'd make bigger divisions next time.

[trdyl]

Hi Maria! I would not be too concerned about the number of leads they are putting out as long as they look healthy. Some are more prone than others to put multiple leads. Some only put out one lead a year while others will take over the house.

[Paul]

Is anything "normal" when it comes to orchids? LOL

I honestly wouldn't remove any of the new leads. As long as the plant is receiving plenty of light, water and nutrients, they should do fine. I would agree, however, that larger divisions would probably be wiser next time.

[Gin]

I agree on the larger divisions as for multi . leads it is sometimes a survival thing with small divisions you run the risk of the new growth sucking the life out of older P bulbs before then can support themselves with not many P bulbs per division it is a problem ,as Rob said i would remove one of the 3 to lighten the load ..

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks guys. The reason I divided it like this was because whe I received it, there was quite a bit of space between each of the two pb's. It was like a weird rambling growth pattern.

I've read before about leaving at least 3 pb's per division. Like I said, I didn't think the division with no leaves would survive--I potted it because I thought, "what the heck, let's give it a try." And, it surprised me by being the first one to take off. The new growth put out about 6 new roots, all of which have grown rather quickly and into the pot already.

Thanks for the feedback. I will watch the ones that are developing closely.

[Orchidflowerchild]

Just prepare yourself for none of them getting up to size to bloom again for a couple years. Divisions that small have the energy reserves of seedlings, and won't produce a full-size growth until they have a few bulbs behind them to support flowers.

-Cj