Dividing Psuedobulbs?

[woaini1116]

I have a Dendrobium aberrans that I would like to divide into two plants. When is the best time to separate them and where should they be separated?

[jay]

I am not familiar with dividing Dendrobiums, so I am sorry I am not much help.

This is purely opinion, but most orchids should be left to grow into larger plants rather than dividing. This way they can get to specimen plants with large number of blooms and great displays. With that said, here are some reasons to divide anyway:

1. No space for a large plant
2. Want to share or to have a back up in case of accident
3. That type does not like to be big specimen plant (Catasetinae sub-tribe - Catasetum, Mormodes, etc.)

Again, this is personal preference. Maybe someone else will have advice on how and when to divide this particular plant.

[digitalgate]

For this plant , it is still quite small by comparison. Separating them could delay the next bloom.Assuming this is the first time you grow orchid, i would advise against cutting the Pseudobulb. But i do see a pseudobulb sticking out like a sore thumb.
Plus species do take a long time to grow.

[jbigio]

Hi
I have dived this plant several times if you do want to divided it should be removed from the pot all the bark should be removed with as much care as you can so as to not brake the roots. This is a good time to remove any root's that are dead or soft. I use an exacto knife and cut through the connecting rizzo between the two halves you want. next I coat the wound on both plants with cinnamon and let the plant sit for several hours to give the wounds time to dry. then I pot each half in the smallest pot each root ball will fit in. Give it a day or two with out water which will help the plant rest. keep in in lower light then usual for a week or so then continue caring for the plant as before. if you feel ambiosis you can try mounting one of the halves. this species does very well mounted.
Good luck
joe

[woaini1116]

Thanks jbigio! I'm assuming this should be done when there's no spikes? What exactly is the rhizome supposed to look like? I'm afraid I'll cut the wrong thing when the time comes.

[kmarch]

I think the term you're looking for is pseudobulb, not pseudopod. I've edited the title of your thread.

Originally Posted by woaini1116

I have a Dendrobium aberrans that I would like to divide into two plants.

Orchids are stronger, grow more vigorously, and flower better when left to grow into larger plants. Den aberrans can make a georgeous display (I've seen several at shows) when its covered in flowers. So unless there is a compelling reason (like bacterial rot that is endangering the survival of the plant) to divide, I encourage you to grow it on into a larger specimen.

[jbigio]

Originally Posted by woaini1116

Thanks jbigio! I'm assuming this should be done when there's no spikes? What exactly is the rhizome supposed to look like? I'm afraid I'll cut the wrong thing when the time comes.

The connecting tissue that joins the bulbs. You dont want to do this when its in spike or bloom enjoy the flowers then if you still want to divide it.

[woaini1116]

Originally Posted by kmarch

I think the term you're looking for is pseudobulb, not pseudopod. I've edited the title of your thread.

Haha oops...I don't know what I was thinking....

I don't really want to divide it, but my mom wants a piece. I guess I can just convince her otherwise!

[kmarch]

You could just order her one form Oak Hill or another good species supplier. ? I'm betraying my true colours here. I like it when folks grow their orchids on and get nice displays from them. LOL

[woaini1116]

Originally Posted by kmarch

You could just order her one form Oak Hill or another good species supplier. ? I'm betraying my true colours here. I like it when folks grow their orchids on and get nice displays from them. LOL

Hahaha...you think she would notice? I don't know why she wants a piece; she already has another one. Maybe if I don't mention the lil' bugger to her, she'll forget all about it.

[Hummer344]

IMHO, its to young to divide. I would up pot it and let it grow bigger. One of my early problems with orchids was dividing them when they were to young or putting them in pots that were to big, then they wouldn't bloom for a LONNNNNNGGGG time. I like KMARCH's idea. Just buy mom one.

[woaini1116]

OOH. Well I wouldn't want them not to bloom for a long time. That would just stink!

[LouisW]

Just tell her to be patient, them when your plant is huge you will give her a division of a few bulbs. Besides by then you will have the culture of the plant down pat and you could advise her on how to make the most of it.

I love specimen plants too. There is nothing like seeing a large plant so vigorous that it looks like a snowball of color, when it blooms.