How to divide Dendrobium

[mnguyen110]

Is it pretty much the same as for Cymbidiums? Is there a minimum of a number of canes? I believe I'm working with a Speciosum.

Thanks in advance!

[WhiteRabbit]

I've not yet divided any Dens (well, I UNintentionally divided one recently), but can't think why they would be different from other orchids when dividing ... So, I'd go with a MINIMUM of three mature growths plus one new per division.

I haven't grown speciosum, they may benefit from bigger divisions .

Hopefully someone with experience with this species will chime in.

[RJSquirrel]

keep in mind Dendrobiums love being pot bound and tight. If there is no good reason other than just to have 'more' plants, I would vote for leaving it alone and let it grow. Hard to get a dendrobium properly potted to start with to ever have to break it down into smaller pieces. The smaller the more susceptible they are to temperature variations. Seeing you have a species also. I again would leave it alone. 3 canes of a dendrobium arent going to get you anywhere fast.

But 3 canes is the norm for dividing most orchids.

When orchids get bigger and start to spread lots of roots they become very tolerant and forgiving of your environment and you can always adjust. The fact you have a pot full of roots and plant gives it gusto to grow more and bloom. The bound pot also generates a lot of heat and moisture in the root system and it wont need to have so much attention applied to it with watering.