Cutting the rhizome before dividing?

[Harris E.]

Hello,

I've heard off and on of people cutting through the rhizome of their sympodial orchids to force a new lead to develop prior to dividing them. The idea is to let the 'back' division get a head start on producing a new lead and roots. The story usually goes like this: cut all the way through the rhizome with a razor, mark the cut with a plastic tag, wait for the new lead to develop and then divide when it starts rooting.

I'd like to try this out but I have a couple questions first. 1) Is there a time of year that is best to make the cut? Right after blooming? Right when the other new leads emerge? 2) If I don't slide a plastic tag into the cut will the plant heal itself (sort of like grafting) but force a new lead anyway?

Thanks!

Harris

[katrina]

I've heard this method also helps to lesson the shock of division and while I personally haven't done it myself...I know of people who have.

I would think the best time to do it would be just before the plant is about to go into active growth but not having done it myself...that is obviously just a guess.

I don't think the plant could heal itself at the cut. I don't think it can reattach. I would guess that is more so you know where the cut was made. Again, a guess.

I'm sure someone w/personal experience will come along soon.

[Brooke]

I've used that method a couple of times. I made the cut when I thought about it, not a specific time. I put a plastic tag in between the area I cut so I could see the division.

This type of division made it easier because I could work on half the plant at a time instead of fighting a big massive plant.

Brooke

[bil]

Logic says that a straight cut could heal and re-fuse the tissues, so I would either cut out a 1/4 inch section, or put a plastic strip in. The advantage surely is that it can deal with the cut before having to deal with root damage caused by the transplantation of half the plant.

[Fairorchids]

This type of division works well. I have never seen the plastic tag used though, and I have never seen the two parts re-attaching themselves (this cut is done in 3-6 year old tissue, which is not in active growth).

While timing of repotting can be crucial (for example, repot Catt amethystoglossa ONLY when new roots are breaking), you can make the cut at any time of the year.

[Harris E.]

Awesome - thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to try this out on a (sacrificial) cattleya hybrid this weekend.

[ula]

Please do update this thread, I'm really interested how it works out for you- I'd like to do it myself, you see .

[bil]

Originally Posted by Harris E.

Awesome - thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to try this out on a (sacrificial) cattleya hybrid this weekend.

Damn straight. If you never experiment, how will you learn? Let us know how it goes.

[Orchid Whisperer]

If you have some, the kind of clippers used on a dog's claws (short hooked blades) make an easy job of cutting through the tough rhizome. Sterilize with a bleach soak & water rinse before & after the job.

[katrina]

I have a Newfoundland...so very large nail clippers...and my clippers wouldn't fit around some of the rhizomes I've divided over the past several years. No way! Nope...some have required much larger tools. Sharp wood chisels (or large flat head screw drivers) w/a big hammer and some good upper body strength are required. Seriously.