The Cattleya "Cut-Divide-and-Conquer" Multiplier Method

[billbowl]

I AM FAIRLY NEW TO ORCHID CARE. I JUST BOUGHT A CATLEA WITH 12 GROWTHS AND 2 SHEATHS, AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BLOOM. WHEN SHOULD I CUT THE RISOME INTO 3 ? NOW? AFTER BLOOM?, OR WHEN?

[Ross]

First of all welcome to the board! Second, as a formality, please don't use all caps as that signifys shouting.

Next please post under approriate forum. Off topic is for those things not orchid-related.

Your questions make me ask a couple in return. Why are you asking? Wait till the sheaths preduce blossoms, if ever, then after the blossoms fade, cut them off.

As for dividing orchids, my feeling is never, until the whole plant exceeds your space requirements.

[Steve in the Adirondacks]

I have been using this method of dividing plants for over a decade. I don't do it all that often but I will do it on a plant when I really want an extra division and when I notice that it is several months to a year away from needing re potting and dividing.
I object to one part of your method. Why would you use an "old plant stick" from a dead plant? I think you are just begging for both divisions to end up with a virus. Please tell me that you are at least soaking the old plant label in bleach to destroy all the old organic material and virus that might be on it.
Use a new plant label. Write the date on it if you wish but I just write the plant's name on it. You'll need a label for each of the two (or more) divisions anyway so you might as well make the new one now.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by billbowl

I AM FAIRLY NEW TO ORCHID CARE. I JUST BOUGHT A CATLEA WITH 12 GROWTHS AND 2 SHEATHS, AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BLOOM. WHEN SHOULD I CUT THE RISOME INTO 3 ? NOW? AFTER BLOOM?, OR WHEN?

Hi Bill Nice to have you with us
Please say hello in our Introductions - Break The Ice forum...it'll allow our very friendly members to greet you properly

Hope to see you around the board

[cb977]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

First of all welcome to the board! Second, as a formality, please don't use all caps as that signifys shouting.

Next please post under approriate forum. Off topic is for those things not orchid-related.

Your questions make me ask a couple in return. Why are you asking? Wait till the sheaths preduce blossoms, if ever, then after the blossoms fade, cut them off.

As for dividing orchids, my feeling is never, until the whole plant exceeds your space requirements.

Ross, I hadn't looked at this thread prior to tonight but now that I have, I've moved it to the Propogation Forum.
Bill asked a question pertaining to this post which was in the incorrect forum to begin with ...he didn't choose to post in the Off-Topic area, the thread was there all along.

All fixed now...enjoy

[Nunna081]

Hi, new member here. Not sure my poor ascda, Mikasa Blue is still living...trying to find basics and see if I can start from one dead looking plant. Roots still seem firm. Help!!! Thanks so much...Nunna081