Help - epiphytic orchid - what to do?

[FlyingDutchman]

I have had this orchid for about 8 years, and it just keeps on going. I have it connected to the sprinkler system such that it soaks the root bundle a couple of times a week, and the runoff goes into a pot below where my wife plants her orchids once they stop flowering in the house. I also have a small motorized pump that outputs additional water - a smaller amount - once a day, and sometimes add urea free fertilizer to that. In the past when it was smaller I would take it down and soak it in a large trash bag with water/fertilizer in it once a year, but it’s getting a bit big to do that.
I would like to know what it is, and to learn how to properly look after it, and how to split it so I can have another one the other side of the door. Would welcome any advice! I am in Orange County, California.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

It is a Cattleya, probably a hybrid. It's hard to find the exact hybrid name because so many are similar.

You're already taking great care of it and it is growing amazingly well. The only thing I would change would be to fertilize a little more often.

Depending on the numbers on the fertilizer you have, and how you mix it, the plant would likely grow and flower better if you fertilized every week to every month during warm weather.

If you look at the bases of the growths you will see it makes upright growths from a horizontal rhizome. You can cut through this rhizome to make plants of any size. I suggest you keep at least 3-4 upright growths per cutting. You could also just cut the plant in half. The best time to make divisions is when new roots are just starting to emerge from the bases of the newest growths on the plant.

[Roberta]

Welcome! You have received great advice! I agree totally on the fertilizer. The specifics of which one don't matter much, for pretty much any granular fertilizer, about 1/2 teaspoon per gallon works for me. A pump sprayer (1 or 2 gallon) would work well for that. Just mix up the solution and give the roots a good bath.

That Cymbidium below it could use some too. (And in the spring probably benefit from repotting unless it is been done in the last couple of years).