When to divide?

[MateoinLosAngeles]

I have this Oncidium Heaven Scent with 5 pseudo-bulbs and a new growth.

The oldest two are teeny tiny, the middle one is medium size, and the two youngest are fully mature and both have bloomed.

There's a new growth so I'm tempted to divide. Should I wait until it has six total mature pseudobulbs and it starts growing a seventh to divide?

[estación seca]

It's still a tiny plant. Wait until you can have 3 mature pseudobulbs per division.

[Louis_W]

Are you wanting to divide for a particular reason? I agree with seca. Id wait until the plant gains some steam before you divide.

[Roberta]

Just to add a 3rd vote... One large strong plant is better (both for blooming and for growth) than two small weak ones. Patience!

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Louis_W

Are you wanting to divide for a particular reason? I agree with seca. Id wait until the plant gains some steam before you divide.

Well, the main reason is that the orchid grew diagonally and upwards, so the two oldest and tiny pseudobulbs are pretty low compared to the younger, mature ones. I think that creates an opportunity for water to get trapped and cause rot issues, so I figured dividing would help getting the rhizome leveled.

Otherwise, the plant is in a 4.5" pot and it should be able to accommodate two more growths (albeit tightly) before needing a repot.

[estación seca]

Oncidiums don't rot unless they get way too hot or they're in steadily boggy conditions. It's fine to have old pseudobulbs too low in the pot. I think they do better a little lower than most people pot them.

[Roberta]

Oncidiums do tend to "climb" (Useful habit for a plant that lives on the side of trees, annoying when we try to grow them in pots) - When you repot, those oldest, tiny pseudobulbs should go low in the pot, if they end up partly covered by medium, no problem. and eventually they'll be "absorbed" by the growing plant.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Thanks so much! Well that makes me feel better. I potted this plant really low and the two oldest pseudobulbs are practically buried under LECA.

Otherwise, the plant is doing great and after surviving a bush snail attack it has started growing roots like there's no tomorrow, slowly overtaking the pot. A joy to see.

Will leave it alone and follow your division advice!