Potting large specimen advice wanted

[Dub3]

Hi folks, I just bought 5 large specimen Catts. At an auction and they really need repotting they haven't been repotted for 5-7 years and are in large clay pots. 2 have over 30 pseudo bulbs.

My question is should I divide them or keep them as one? I have no problems repotting 3 to 5 inch plants but these are BIG. do I do anything different? I will be using Orchiata Bark .5-.75 inch size..

All suggestions needed.

Thanks in advance

[Dub3]

Here is second photo

[katrina]

To divide or not divide would be dependent upon what you want to do. Personally, I let my plants grow until they have outgrown a 12" pot and then I divide. If I had a bigger space, I might grow them larger but my shelf/light situation dictates my size. So, either choice will do...it's up to you.

As for the repotting...given these plants have been in those pots for years...I would soak them in a tub or bucket of water (up to the rim of the pot) for an extended period. I usually let them soak overnight...sometimes longer. This will fully saturate the pot and the root mass so that the roots don't get damaged (or as damaged). Once soaked and ready...I wrap the pot w/a towel and then break the pot w/a hammer. A large, overgrown plant that's been in a pot for such a long period...even w/the soaking...is easier to deal with if you just break the pot. So much easier!

Then, remove as much of the old medium as possible. If you're going to divide...do so at this time. If you divide...put a little cinnamon on the cut ends to seal the wounds.

After that...just pot it up and back fill w/the medium of your choice.

[Dub3]

Thank you Katrina

[james mickelso]

Lots of possibilities here. Divide or not? How many divisions of you divide? What to do with so many divisions if you divide into small 5 division bunches? How many pbulbs are viable? How many of these older leafless pbulbs have viable eyes? My concern with such a large root mass is root damage from rot. Getting air into and underneath such a large root mass posses challenges. The growing pbulbs on the outside of this mass dry as needed but the older pbulbs on the inner portion may not dry as rapidly. I can't see the root mass closely so can't make any judgements outside of experience with similar root masses. The newer pbulbs show very good root growth. That in itself presents problems of their own. To adequately divide this, I think a 4 or 5 division would keep the specimen size in tact but bring them down to a manageable size with fewer problems in the next two or three years before needing another repot. May we see pictures of the root mass up close? The leaves and pbulbs of the plant up close? Nice project you have there. I'd be salivating.

[Dub3]

James, yes it does appear to be a challenge. Another challenge is I have been growing for less than 1 yr. I have only divided 2 Catts. Before and so far so good both front and back divisions are still with me. Back divisions were really set back and front bulbs are in sheath again with buds. I have read that one can cut the rhizome and insert a plastic sheet into the cut and repot later so as not to disturb the back bulbs until they are established. What do you think?

[Dub3]

James thse are the best pictures I could get. Since I'm unable to post more then one pictures at a time they will be included in four posts.

[Dub3]

Picture 2

[Dub3]

Picture 3

[Dub3]

Picture 4