Repotting my Cattleya. It's too big needs splitting

[katfrith]

I need to repot my Cattleya. I can't find a larger pot and I think it needs to be divided into two or even three smaller plants. I have never done this to an orchid before. Can anyone give me advice on the process. Maybe I should keep looking for a bigger pot...at some point I won't be able to lift it.
thanks
nervous

[Discus]

How about a basket? They come in pretty big sizes and plants look awesome in them

Alternatively, yes, you can split it. This is quite a good guide: Orchids: cattleya orchids, cattleya orchids, garden shears you may also like to dust the cut ends with some cinnamon or sulphur to help ward off infection. Heed the part about new root growth, it really helps re-establish them.

Good luck!

[tucker85]

To me, there's a difference between dividing a cattleya and just removing the back bulbs. The reason some cattleyas have lots of new growth and blooms is that they have several leads or rhizomes along which a new growth starts. If you actually divide the plant that means each new plant will have approximately half as many leads. That means it will take each plant a couple of years to get big and full again. The approach I like to use, when possible, is to remove some of the oldest 'back bulbs' to make the plant small enough to fit into the same pot it's in or a slightly larger pot. That way you preserve all the leads in the front of the plant so you'll get lots of new growth and flowers. Often you only need to remove a few of the back bulbs to make the plant managable. If you want to have smaller plants there's nothing wrong with dividing it so that some of the new leads are in each new pot. Don't worry about cutting the rhizome. Use sterile cutters and you can use something like Roottone on the cut if you want to. I actually don't treat the cut with anything and I've never had a problem.

[katfrith]

Thanks for all the help. you guys are great.

[lostonthebeach]

Also check out youtube.
There are several videos on dividing and repotting catts.

[Gin]

I am with Tucker ! might hit the dollar stores for a larger container does not have to be a regular pot have to add holes in the bottom is all . I like big full blooming plants have messed up some in the past and end up with little no bloomers