How to divide a very root bound orchid
 

I recently bought this orchid and as you can see it's a solid mass of roots. It seems like it really needs to be divided and re-potted. How do I go about this with such a thick mass of roots?

Not sure how to get the pictures to show in here, so posted links

Edited - whoops, I put the same link twice. Added the other pic.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mighty...el/15615834651
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mighty...el/15618511295

WOW! That's a lot of roots!

I don't know if I would divide that, unless there's a fair amount of growth not visible in the pix ...

Use a skewer, or chop stick - work gently in to the root mass, wiggle it around to help loosen things up - do that in several spots. Jet setting on a hose sprayer attachment can be helpful. Get it loosened up, and as much old media removed as you can ...

I edited the post to make the links workable (5 posts are required before links can be posted - but I was able to copy and paste into a browser window) - I'm not sure if I messed it up ? as now, both go to the same pic ... :( sorry if I did mess it up ...

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ng-photos.html
You must have five posts before being able to link to other sites

I didn't realize I had put the same link twice - I corrected it. Based on the 2nd pic, does it look like it should be divided? If not, should I still attempt to loosen the roots or should I just move it to a bigger pot as it is?

Looks like an intergeneric Oncidium hybrid. If old pot is 4" or smaller, I simply repot into a 6" or 8" pot as appropriate.

If 6" or larger, it should be split up. Working on something like that, I usually soak that rootball first. As I work on it, I keep swirling it in a bucket with water.

Then, when I get fed up, I simply rip (or cut) it apart, and plant each piece in separate pots. That is why you should do this just before it starts new growths (and roots).

1) Unless it's pretty obvious by observation alone, by hand, gently pry the groups of pseudobulbs apart to see where natural dividing points are. I recommend no fewer than 3 old-, plus one new growth per division.

2) Using a sharp, serrated-edge knife, saw down between the divisions to separate them completely.

3) Remove the old medium and dead roots, then repot with the old pseudobulbs against the pot wall, with the new growth facing the middle, so it has room to grow into.

Fairorchids must be clairvoyant. I'm not certain how you tell when a plant is "just before it starts new growths (and roots)", but I wait for the growths to emerge from the base to tell me it's happening.

Re new growths:

1. You should know what season to expect new growths.
2. Peel back the covering bracts, and check whether nodes are beginning to swell up/lean away from the base.

It is important to repot before new growths really start to grow. Otherwise you are likely to break off new growths, while struggling with the root ball.

Another tool for clipping the rhizome: I use the clippers that are used for trimming dog's claws/toenails, the type with 2 curved blades. These securely hold the rhizome while cutting. Buy the ones for larger dogs. Sterilize clippers with straight chlorine bleach & rinse before & after cutting.

If I were dividing this plant I would likely clipcthe rhizome in strategic locations to give a minimum of 3 (better 4) old growths & pot the whole thing on into a larger pot. When new growth is just starting, divide the rest of the way as fairorchid suggested.