Laelia division?

[Kelo]

My Laelia purpurata has five mature pseudo bulbs with a 'bridge' between two bulbs and three bulbs. There are also two new growths out of the two bulb section. Do you think it might be safe enough to cut the 'bridge' in order to make two plants? On the three bulb section there are roots growing from a previous growth.

[RobS]

Well you could but I wouldn't. The plant most likely will suffer a set back and this ways you'd have double the amount of flowers.

[tucker85]

I wouldn't divide a plant that has only 5 psuedobulbs. Even though the back bulbs may not have new growth on them they still contribute to the health and strength of the plant.

[Kelo]

OK, thank you guys.

[peeweelovesbooks]

I would cut it. As a matter of fact, I did just this very thing with a Laelia superbiens. All divisions are growing happily and putting out new growths. I divided mine in 3; it had 6 pbs.

[Kelo]

LOL you rebel lmao

[peeweelovesbooks]

Of course!!!!

The plant was going to lose the roots anyway because it originally grew in a different potting medium. I decided to divide the plant when I got it home and was going to pot it up in Hydroton.

This is when I usually divide plants. I LOVE specimen sized, absolutely.

For example, I bought some good-sized Myrmecophila at the Redlands. The root systems are basically worthless (they were bare-root divisions from Hamlyn Orchids) but the plants are HUGE. So, I'm planning to divide them this weekend. I also bought 2 HUGE rambling Myrmecophila hybrids that are mounted in cork. I plan to divide those too.

[Kelo]

Specimen plants are a sight to behold, even more so when they are smothered in blooms. I had a miltonia that had over 30 flowers on it and it looked stunning.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by Kelo

LOL you rebel lmao

have you seen her laelias? lol!

[Kelo]

Not since the court injunction.... PMSL