What Would You Do?

[orchids3]

My root dangles at least part of the time - maybe you could put a pot next too it and let the plant grow into it.

[dave b]

Specimen plants only become specimen plants when one grows them well, and resists the urge to chop them up into smaller pieces. Good growing, whatever you decide to do. The orchid world needs more specimen plants and fewer grocery store Phals. My 2 cents.

[susiep]

I vote not to cut. I always move my plants to bigger pots. I love lots of the same flowers blooming at the same time! I have a lot of "hanger-downers" right now, too. They are a pain to repot, but I always find a way. I only use clay pots or wood baskets and have many (many) times just put the whole thing in a bigger container. Plus one big pot takes up less room than 2 medium sized ones!

[Junebug]

Hi Doc,

The hang downers are a pain to successfully repot. The hangover growth gets fixed in that downward position and the slightest upward pressure makes them pop right off ...which in turn causes one to swear. !#%*!

You'll still wind up with a good sized plant if you remove and plant the hangdowners and then replant the momma plant too. It might be wise to go to a 3" or 4" larger pot for the main (momma) plant. It doesn't take a large established Catt. any time at all fill in that amount of space. Let us know what you decide and don't forget to post pics. Woops, I almost forgot to ask. When does the big one usually bloom?

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Hi Doc,

The hang downers are a pain to successfully repot. The hangover growth gets fixed in that downward position and the slightest upward pressure makes them pop right off ...which in turn causes one to swear. !#%*!

You'll still wind up with a good sized plant if you remove and plant the hangdowners and then replant the momma plant too. It might be wise to go to a 3" or 4" larger pot for the main (momma) plant. It doesn't take a large established Catt. any time at all fill in that amount of space. Let us know what you decide and don't forget to post pics. Woops, I almost forgot to ask. When does the big one usually bloom?

I agree dont divide the whole plant just pop off the hangers and place the momma in a wide shallow bulb pan or something similar to allow it extra growing room. If possible plant the hangers in net pots so they can become mini specimens that envelop the entire pot with growths and blossoms. The other Cat only needs a larger pot, maybe a pan if its fast growing, I like hanging them in net pots or baskets to allow the hangers to hide the pot, this way it looks like you have a giant disco ball of flowers when it finally blooms.