Cutting the rhizome before dividing?

[Harris E.]

Hello,

I've heard off and on of people cutting through the rhizome of their sympodial orchids to force a new lead to develop prior to dividing them. The idea is to let the 'back' division get a head start on producing a new lead and roots. The story usually goes like this: cut all the way through the rhizome with a razor, mark the cut with a plastic tag, wait for the new lead to develop and then divide when it starts rooting.

I'd like to try this out but I have a couple questions first. 1) Is there a time of year that is best to make the cut? Right after blooming? Right when the other new leads emerge? 2) If I don't slide a plastic tag into the cut will the plant heal itself (sort of like grafting) but force a new lead anyway?

Thanks!

Harris