Dividing oncidiums

[tasha]

I have a starry baby oncidium that is getting overcrowded in its pot. I was wondering if I could divide it and separate it into two pots. Any advice? The new growth is starting to slow down because there isn’t enough room in the pot.

[WaterWitchin]

Any reason to not just put into a bigger pot?

[Ray]

The bigger the colony of growths, the more robust it will be.

If you do decide to divide it, make sure each division is at least two old growths plus one new one.

The best time to divide or repot in general is just as new roots are emerging from the base of the plant.

[tasha]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Any reason to not just put into a bigger pot?

How big can I replant them? Will I kill the plant if I divide the pseudo bulbs? There’s a video on you tube which separates one oncidium into two by brads gardening tips.

[Paphluvr]

Can you post a picture so we can see how large the plant is? Orchids are much more spectacular if grown into speciman plants rather than having a bunch of small plants.

[tasha]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

Can you post a picture so we can see how large the plant is? Orchids are much more spectacular if grown into speciman plants rather than having a bunch of small plants.

This is my orchid from two years ago. Sorry I’m not by it right now but it has 3 or 4 more pseudo bulbs now. I repotted it in a soup container and it’s doing well like how it is in this picture, I’m just afraid there’s not enough room in the new pot for the roots to breathe.

[estación seca]

I wouldn't divide it unless you have no space for a larger plant. Wait to repot until it is making new roots from the newest growths forming.

You know how much it expanded horizontally from the photo to now. Find a container large enough to have the same horizontal open surface in all directions. Repot with the oldes part of the plant against one edge with the growth pointing to the other edge. Gently shake off old medium. Don't disturb any roots to remove old medium. Add your new medium. It should take off.

[tasha]

Thank you all for your feedback!