how to divide phalaenopsis?
 

does anyone know how to divide a phalaenopsis? Its something to do with the roots, but I'm not sure. Any help would be great -

Thanks,

- Rick

Hello Rick and welcome to the Orchid Board. I'm not saying that it might not be possible but as far as I know phalaenopsis can't be devided since these are sympodial plants. In other words they just grow upwards unlike the cattleyas or dendrobiums who send side shoots. It could be devided if there was a basal keiki which is a smaller plant growing from the side of the mother plant once this plant has roots of about 3 inches or if it was an aerial keiki. This one is produced on the flower spike and it would be the same way until after the roots are about 3 inches or so. Other than that I don't think that the Phals can be devided.

Rolando is right on... you can't "divide" Phals. Having said that, and here is where a picture would be helpful so we can see what you have and we are all on the same page, sometimes you may have two plants growing in the same pot; some vendors do this to increase sales. These can be divided simply by trying to pull them apart, carefully, when repotting. Sure you're gonna lose some roots but if the root base is healthy and extensive, this shouldn't be a problem. A good soaking in KLN, SuperThrive or Hormex at the time of repotting will soften the roots making it easier to separate and this might also help with the transplant shock.

Occasionally a Phal. will grow a basal keiki. When it does, the keiki may EVENTUALLY be separated from the mother plant. However, take extreme caution in doing so. The basal keiki needs to have grown long enough to be a separate plant, essentially, with its own root system and the base stem pretty completely grown away from that of the mother plant. It takes quite a few years to reach this point of maturity. If it has, separate the roots carefully, clip off the older, dead stem, and repot it on its own. And again, be REALLY careful about any cuts you make to separate the two plants, make sure you treat the areas IF you have to make cuts, etc. Better still, leave them in a pot together and enjoy the show (so you don't have to worry about making a mistake in this process).

Phals cannot be divided unless they have basal keikis. This is because they are monopodial (meaning they only have one growth and do not form clumps). As jkofferdahl said, when basal keikis are present they should not be separated until they have lots of roots and a long stem. I think most people just leave them on because you get more flowers from them, and a better display.

multiply phals.
 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the help. I'm still interested in making more of the phals. from what I have - can you suggest any way to promote keikis?

multiply phals.
 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the help. I'm still interested in making more of the phals. from what I have - can you suggest any way to promote keikis?

Thanks!

- Rick

Hi Rick.

There is a hormone you can buy called Keikipro which can help promote keikis. I've never used it myself but some folks here have had good results.

I have used KeikiGrow Plus. It is a lanolin-based hormone (Plant Hormones Canada) This does work but you have to use it at the right time or all you will get is more flower spikes. Timing is EVERYTHING!

from When and how to repot your orchids?