Need info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been growing orchids for 15 years and have never been able to divided an plant and have it live. I am always cautious to use a new blade on each plant but so far all has failed. If any one can give me some advise it would be greatly appreciated.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

By now you should know to only repot/divide a plant (sympodials, not Phals)) when the new growth is just starting a flush of new roots. Repotting at any other time can cause a tremendous setback. If you are dividing, try putting each half into a different mix to try and cover more possibilities of success. Also, you might try covering the plants with clear plastic bags, open at the bottom, for a while after repotting until new roots have had a chance to grow. I like to use pruning shears soaked in a saturated solution of trisodium phosphate for sterilizing, not a tsp substitute, and use the shears like a comb to help get the old mix out. You can even use them like tweezers, and pull the bark, or what have you, out one piece at a time. If you use your hands to pull out the old bark, use new disposable gloves to prevent infection of the plant thru the damaged roots.

Thanks Cyntha I give it a try and let you know how things work out.

[jerrymeola]

The biggest problem I see is the fear of hobbyist to remove roots and as a result leave too many bad roots.

All roots that are dry or soft must be removed. Good roots should be cut to about 2/3 the depth of the pot, not foldered into the pot.

Leaving too many bad roots causes root rot very rapidly. It also sets back the plant whereas cutting off roots on orchids (and most plants) stimulates new root growth and a healthier plant.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

Soaking the plants after they're divided & the roots trimmed & soaking the potting mix also before you use it in RD-20 disinfectant (it's like Physan), will prevent root rot, and other fungal and bacterial problems before the roots have a chance to heal.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Another practice that many are not aware of is that the potting mix needs to be pressed into the pot VERY firmly. When done, one should be able to lift the pot by only lifting the plant. This helps the moisture to wick thru the mix, and keeps the plant ridgid in the pot so that the root tips are not damaged by a moving plant as they grow. Damp roots during the repot process helps them to be flexable and less damaged by the pressing process.