When to divide?? - Orchid Board

Lorraine · #1 08-29-2011, 09:52 AM

I have a nice Miltonia spectabilis that is just finishing up blooming. I need to take a few divisions from it and am not sure when is the best time to do it. Who knows?? Also what potting medium do you recommend? I bought this chid last year from Andy's in a plastic net basket and there seems to be moss and some other lightweight (not spag) in it. I'm leaving the mother plant alone. It ain't broke so I'm not fixing it!

camille1585 · #2 08-29-2011, 02:38 PM

Can't help you with the potting, but the best time to divide usually is when there are new growths growing. In each division you need at least 1 new growth, and I would saw at least 3 older bulbs. The bigger the division the better.

A shame to divide though, they make wonderful looking plants if they're allowed to get big.

glengary54 · #3 08-29-2011, 03:52 PM

Lorraine - after flowering is the ideal time to repot and/or divide.

The following comes from the AOS Culture Sheet fr Miltonias

Potting should be done after flowering when the new growth is starting. The warmer growers (miltonias) tend to have a relatively elongated creeping habit and, therefore, do better mounted. Any potting mix suitable for fine roots such as 70 percent seedling bark with charcoal and perlite or a mix of 70 percent tree fern and 30 percent chopped sphagnum is adequate. Mounts may be cork, tree fern or other hard wood. They should be longer than wide. For some reason, shallow pans work better than deep pots.

Lorraine · #4 08-29-2011, 04:06 PM

Thanks Camille and Glen. This guy is growing all around and under the pot. I promised a division to a good friend. I can't even set it on a table because it is all over. Plenty good size. It had 36 blooms on it this year. 26 last year. I love, love this chid!

camille1585 · #5 08-29-2011, 04:19 PM

You got it only a year ago and it's already that big?

Either Andy sells really big plants, or this plant really really likes you. Being in Florida must certainly help a lot. Over here I'm lucky if I can buy Onc types with 4-5 bulbs...
I really really need a Milt spectabilis...

Been on the wishlist for years, but never has the opportunity to get it.

glengary54 · #6 08-29-2011, 04:22 PM

Lorraine - after seeing your plant, my suggestion would be to transplant it into a treefern fiber pot and let it grow all over the pot. In time the pot will rot but by them you will have a self sustaining plant that will never have to be repotted again.

Your plant is beautiful and wonderfully grown by the way.

RosieC · #7 08-31-2011, 01:22 PM

Wow, I thought mine was growing fast!

keithrs · #8 08-31-2011, 04:12 PM

That plant does grow very fast.... should just about double in size each year.... I got a div. from SBOE last year that had 4 new growths + two back bulbs. Now it has 7 new growths.

Best to divide right when new root growth is happening but if you have new growth you should be ok... best to take three or more growths but twos ok too.... I have mine in CHC with pumice and charcoal. Small bark works good too.

keithrs · #9 08-31-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glengary54

Lorraine - after seeing your plant, my suggestion would be to transplant it into a treefern fiber pot and let it grow all over the pot. In time the pot will rot but by them you will have a self sustaining plant that will never have to be repotted again.

Your plant is beautiful and wonderfully grown by the way.

Cork, ecoweb, and plastic basket are good to do this too.... Just use crushed hydroton or pumice in your basket with little moss or CHC intel your plant is established.... the moss or chc will decompose.

Lorraine · #10 08-31-2011, 06:24 PM

Thanks guys...I knew you would come through