Here are some photos - enjoy. Moth orchids like a richer mix. When it comes to propagating these exquisite plants, you need to understand that there are two main types of orchids: Terrestrials and Epiphytes. Also keep the divisions to at least three bulbs to keep strength in the plant. If your plant has at least four canes bearing healthy leaves, you can divide it. How to report and divide orchids When an orchid has outgrown its existing pot, it can be re-potted in mid-spring after it has finished flowering: 1. Repotting Cymbidium Orchids. Another way to breed your orchids is to use the backbulbs. Dendrobium Nobile orchids should be transplanted every year and a half or two years. Group of enthusiasts interested in Australia's native orchids and their hybrids. Dendrobium orchids can be reproduced by separating the pseudobulbs, provided they have between 7 and 8 reeds, cutting at least 3, to ensure the possibility of success. All orchids need a free-draining specialist potting mix, with most based on bark chips. Often referred to as “Tree Orchids”, Dendrobiums are not difficult to manage and are best grown in a bushhouse. Orchids are among the most beautiful and unusual flowers in the world. But, over the years, their pots get really congested with bulbs and that limits flowering and also increases the likelihood of disease, so a bit of surgery is required. The climate around Brisbane and the coasts is ideal for growing orchids. It's easy to tell when it's time to re-pot an orchid, the leaves and bulbs get absolutely packed into the pot so it's really bulging. how to divide cymbidium orchids. Remove it from its existing container. As the name suggests, terrestrial orchids grow in the ground like your average Aussie native, and are mostly deciduous. Choose a pot that's 1 inch (at the most 2 inches) larger than your present pot. The bark or moss that the orchids are grown in gradually deteriorates. Four (4) steps to dividing and repotting cattleyas. Orchids like some rough treatment. When dividing a cymbidium orchid, aim to have between three and five healthy bulbs in each division as that will ensure the plant flowers again next year. Sit the pots in the shade for four to six weeks to allow them to establish. Cymbidium orchids are very rewarding plants. There are six main techniques for orchid propagation: division, back bulbs, aerial cuttings, keiki, meristem or tissue culture, and seed. The plant originates from Central and South America. Always have three bulbs - the lead bulb and two bulbs behind it in a clump. Choose a pot that's 1 inch (at the most 2 inches) larger than your present pot. The time to transplant orchids is just after they bloom, when new roots have appeared but haven't grown longer than a half-inch, or when the roots start to crawl out of the pot. Divide when dormant into clusters of 4 or more pseudobulbs. How To Repot Phalaenopsis Orchids: The Basics. They include agapanthus, orchids, bergenias and Japanese windflowers. At that time, usually a week or so, repot the divisions in their new pots. These orchids are very hardy and can endure extreme drying out. Phalaenopsis orchids, white or in shades of pink or yellow, are easy to propagate and grow. Looking after orchids Fertilise epiphytic native orchids from October to April with a dedicated orchid fertiliser or slow release fertiliser in pellet form. Hardy Australian orchids In Australia, we have over 800 species of orchids in 107 genera, all belonging to the Orchidaceae family. If you are very careful with the way you water and maintain your orchids in warm temperatures, your phalaenopsis, or moth-wing orchid, will reward you with lovely blooms for years. If you wish to divide your existing orchids and plant each bulb in a different pot, it’s wise to do so only when the orchid is showing new growth. My favourites are the Thelychiton, formerly called Dendrobium. Orchids like a smaller pot - one that will fit the roots in and still allow a couple of years of growth. Cymbidium is the ideal choice of orchid for the beginner. Cymbidium orchids are beautiful, hardy & easy care but there comes a time when they need to be divided & repotted. For instance, Phalaenopsis orchids, hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11, require you to cut their stems, while Dendrobium orchids, hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11, have pseudobulbs you can split. Orchids are among the most beautiful and unusual flowers in the world. It is best not to divide a Cymbidium as dividing causes the plant considerable stress because, when dividing, the potting soil must be disturbed and this generally damages the roots. Potting out need only occur when the plant grows over the side of the pot. The best time to do this is after the orchid has finished flowering, ideally shortly after new air roots emerge. These have no leaves and are the oldest part of the plant. When rooting is obvious, remove the plant from its container and wash off all the roots being sure to eliminate any media attached to them. In order to properly divide your orchid, you need to get a look at its roots. Waiting until a mature orchid has flowered for several years is vital in making sure it's ready... During Repotting. Cymbidium Orchids will need repotting. Make sure that the bulbs are sitting at the top of the pot and are not planted any deeper. If repotting is not done, the bark or moss become decomposed and packed. October/November is an ideal time. October/November is an ideal time. Dividing Vanda orchids isn’t generally recommended for hobbyists and is typically a job best left to the experts because Vanda is a monopodial orchid, which means the plant has a single, upward-growing stem. Dividing Vanda Orchids. Divide and repot Cymbidiums every second to third year, in the spring after flowering has completed. It will grow in all parts of Australia and is easy to propagate by division. Remove any damaged roots and then, trim the older leaves by about a third to prevent water loss. When dividing Cattleya Alliance plants, always divide into parts with four pseudobulbs. Caring For Orchids Cattleya Cymbidium Dendrobium Miltonia Odontoglossum / Oncidium Paphiopedilum Phalaenopsis Vanda Basic Repotting and Dividing Basic Repotting and Dividing Most orchids need to be repotted once every two years. These are called 'back' bulbs and although they may reshoot they take about three years to do so. Orchids are used to growing on branches and in between tree limbs in the tropics. Do this in the spring as new growth is beginning. When we divide a Cymbidium Orchid, what we're aiming to do is have between three and five of these healthy bulbs in a clump and that will ensure the plant flowers again next year. Do not put them in direct sunlight. 2. Orchids are typically potted in loose, coarse fir bark mixed with other organic materials such as sphagnum peat and moss. Thank you! You need to check these new divisions regularly for moisture. For tropical gardeners, Sophie recommends using straight orchid bark. Use a large stiff knife to cut through the rhizome and root mass, attempting to keep the root mass as intact as possible. Just put each orchid piece into the pot and backfill. Ive had two that were left as specimens and breedstock plants for 10 years or more One was Dendrobium Ivory 'Deepest Orange' ( The parent of Dendrobium Henk Van den Berg and Dendrobium Australian Gold Starburst) and the other was an awarded Rona Firstly what we need to do is look at our plant. As a reminder, never divide a small orchid or one that lacks a healthy set of roots. Always wipe your tools with methylated spirits between plants. Add a few handfuls of potting mix to the pot. 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