The Orchid Garden

How do you divide a Paph

Question:

I understand that it is possible to divide a paph. What is the secret? Is there a minimum number of roots or any other advise? Thanks

Response:

I understand that it is possible to divide a paph. What is the secret? Is there a minimum number of roots or any other advise?

        No real secret.  As with any plant, the bigger the divisions the better and quicker they will flower.  For paphs, I would argue that you want to keep at least three growths together for optimal results (big multiflorals are another problem for another time).  But, you can divide them back as far as single growths and still have success.  It takes much longer for a single growth to establish and start growing new growths than it does for a three growth or bigger division.         My main advise is that unless you have to, don’t.  There really isn’t much to be gained from dividing any plant, unless it is a) because the plant is too big to fit into a suitable pot, or b) it is a particularly valuable plant that you want to sell a division of.  There is a maximum pot size suitable for paphs (depending on the mix and whatnot, but it has to dry out between waterings) – but you probably aren’t pushing that limit.  The bigger the plant, the better it will bloom.         Repotting of paphs should be done frequently, at least once a year (for me).  This doesn’t mean you have to divide them, just give them fresh mix.  If when you unpot the plant, it falls into two or more pieces, then it is appropriate to pot them up into separate pots (plant made the decision for you!).  If you must divide the plant, cut or pull the plant into the biggest pieces you can justify.  Cut between the fans, there is a rhizome between them.  Some people advocate dusting the cut surface with a fungicide.  I don’t do that.  Sometimes i will dust them with cinnamon, but I don’t even do that very often.  I keep them a little dry for a week or so, but not bone dry (use moist mix), and then water them as usual. Rob  Rob’s rules to live by:                        | Send me seeds!   (1) There is always room for one more orchid. |   (2) There is no rule 2.                       | Future starving PhD.    (2a) When one has insufficient credit to buy |  

Response:

Also might add NOT to throw away any rootless growths as they ( along with phrags ) are very forgiving and with proper culture will produce new roots more ofter than not –   Rich

Response:

One should not divide parvis, brachys, or strap leaved (multi flowered, as rothschildiana); these can all be planted as separate plants when they fall apart on repotting. The usual southeast Asian ladyslippers, both the plain and mottled leaf types, may be divided easily, although one should try and have  2 mature growths and a new growth starting. Single growth divisions, even when there are good roots, will   frequently take a number of yrs to again bloom. It is easy to tell where a division can be made, and one simply breaks the division apart by pressure.

Response:

Filed under: Orchid Flower

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