Dendrobium Victoria-Reginae - repot/separating keikis

[sephirothlq]

Would it be ideal for me to separate these keikis from the basal canes?






Most of them have not bloomed once yet except for the completely shortest leafless one.

From what I can see, I have 3? basal canes. One completely leafless, the other one has 3 large keikis on it each with 2-4 roots that are about 1-2 inches each.
Then as you can see in the 3rd picture there is a large keiki growing off of a chopped of basal cane. And finally a new basal just starting to grow.

Also, any tips in staking the new growth? I assume it is too young (~2 inches long) and not very flexible.

[Roberta]

I would suggest leaving them. This species does bloom mostly on the older, leafless canes. So you need the plant to mature. Losing leaves on the older canes is normal, and then that's where the flower action is! And a given cane can bloom more than once a year, and do it for several years.

A repot might be a good idea, if it has been in that medium for awhile. The canes tend to be pendant, so actually, a basket (with sphagnum) might be useful if you can accommodate it. But its natural habit is to be a bit on the unruly side.

I grow mine mounted then the roots that grow higher up on the plant can be accommodated better. But otherwise, just let them ramble, mist the aerial roots when you water the plant. One strong plant is far better than a bunch of small weak ones (that may not even survive) But I'd suggest not trying to fight its natural habit, just enjoy the show.