[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Well Kevin, different strokes for different folks. If you tend to be rough on orchids when you divide your plants, and you live in a humid climate, like our OP, then repotting when dormant probably is a good idea. And maybe the need for 3 or 4 bulbs with an Oncidium is needed BECAUSE you are repotting at a less than opportune time. For me, I am particularly careful about new growths and I chose to repot when the new roots are very short, and am careful with those that are already out. This is something that a commercial grower like Jerry would not have the time or patience for, but for the home hobbyist, the kind of care I use might be more typical. I think Jerry's post is probably the best for our OP to follow, as I think Jerry has the best idea of what the OP is facing. Twisting the piece off saves the need for a sterile tool, but I would recommend that the OP does not handle the raw end to avoid transfering virus from her hands.