dividing

[neophyte]

I have a Maxillaria tenuifolia and I want to split it. It's not very big (actually it's pretty small), so will it still bloom if I divide it??

[fishmom]

What is your goal on splitting the plant while it is still small?

I am no expert on Max. tenufolia, but I do have a large plant that flowers on a regular basis. It certainly gives more blooms now that it is bigger (it fills an 8" pot). Most plants have a size that must be reached before generous flowering takes place. That is not to say you absolutely will not get blooms, just that you are cutting down on your chances if you split it early.

[Ray]

I agree with "Mom." Besides needing the "right conditions," in order to bloom, a plant must produce and accumulate sufficient fuel stores to support the growth spurt of the spike and buds.

Sympodial plants like your maxillaria share those stores, so a bigger, better developed plant with many growths will be "sturdier" and will grow and bloom better.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree with the above suggestions. If you divide it, expect to wait longer before it blooms, divide it too often and you may never get it to bloom. Mine did not start blooming until it grew up a good bit.

[fishmom]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Mine did not start blooming until it grew up a good bit.

Yup!

[PaphMadMan]

In general, never divide any sympodial orchid into pieces smaller than 2 mature growths and a healthy new growth coming if it can be avoided. Any less than 3-4 mature growths with a new growth coming is likely to limit flowering for a year or 2, longer for those plants that need some size before flowering. With slow growers or plants that don't do well for you, double those numbers. For your Max ten I would stick to minimum 3-4+ new.