Dividing a Catt?

[Luci]

Hi All,

I have a Catt that I need to divide but have never done this before. I have attached pics so you can see it. Any help would be appreciated. This is the first Catt I have tried to grow...!

Lc.Nippon 'Livinza x Lc. Memoria Robert Strait 'Carmela'

Thanks[ATTACH][ATTACH]Catt3.jpg[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

[mayres]

I would say this IS a good time to divide if you wish. You will want to have three good mature pseudobulbs to each division - looks like you will end up with two nice plants. As Cynthia will tell you - cut through the plant materal that holds the two halves together with a STERILE tool. In many instances you can just bend and break the plant in two without any tool at all. Enjoy! mike

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

What you want is three good pseudo bulbs in a row, to echo Mikes comment on that. If you have less, the plant won't bloom for a year or two, or more. Use a sterile tool for cutting any orchid, and I recommend using disposable gloves, to be sure the broken roots won't pick up a virus from you hands. You can reuse the original pot from this orchid for one of the divisions, but for the second pot, or if you change sizes, use a new or sterilized pot for this. I think I would wait until the moment that you see a flush of new roots just starting from that new growth to start the repotting. Some orchids delay rooting from the new growth for many months, and rooting is the best time for repotting, because you are going to break a great many roots getting the old mix out, and the new root activity of the new growths will rebuild the roots system very fast. Cynthia

When you repot the new divisions, be sure to put them in the smallest pot that will accommodate the roots. Be sure not to overpot.

[Luci]

Thank you all for your answers. I was afraid to start until I got some advise. It is so great having help just a post away! :-)

By the way Cynthia, I have some data on the experiment with Coir that I started in regards to babies out of flask. How should I post it? New thread?

Thanks again,
Luci

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think a new thread would be good in this case, because I think the old thread was pretty long, if I remember right. A link to the old thread would be nice, just a copy and paste of the address of the old post. I have been thinking about trying to grow from flask again, so would like to hear your results. Cynthia

[Luci]

Cynthia:

I will get my notes out and type it up tomorrow and get it posted.