It came that way from the manufacturer. REALLY.

[CulpableCaptive]

I recently started on my road to Phragmipedium and Paphiopedilum addiction. Yesterday I received three new Phrags and one Paph. Two of them came with two or more ‘crowns’. In my haste to transplant them into my own mix I broke and separated the two Phrags with the most plants - so from one orchid plant I ended up with three. I didn’t want this to happen because I thought having them attached would make for a stronger plant.
I still planted them in the same pot.
Will this unintended division set back the plants considerably ?
Or will they continue to grow as if no division had taken place?
I am also at a loss as to their care and culture .
I would be grateful to anyone with advice.
– I already know I should have been more careful , my brain is the size of a pea and I’m not the sharpest tack in the drawer – so that advice can be left out.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

Will this unintended division set back the plants considerably ? Or will they continue to grow as if no division had taken place?

If all the divisions had good roots then the set back won't be as bad as it would if they have few or no roots. They eventually should go on, given good care, to send out new growths. You are correct though in your understanding that larger multi-growth paphs and phrags are hardier and more vigorous and produce more flowers.

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

I am also at a loss as to their care and culture . I would be grateful to anyone with advice.

Check out the Paph and the Phrag culture sheets found at AOS | Home and the paph culture sheet here on the forum. Give them a good read and let us know if you have any questions.

Good luck!

[CulpableCaptive]

"If all the divisions had good roots then the set back won't be as bad as it would if they have few or no roots. They eventually should go on, given good care, to send out new growths."

I have a feeling this is going to be a problem.
There were very few viable roots and when I was cutting off the dead roots was when I inadvertently severed the plants.
I purposely use a small, VERY pointed surgical scissor to do my best to avoid this very thing.