dividing a paph while spiking?

[ABCarve]

I have had this paph (variety unknown) for 8 years and it flowers constantly. Seems like a set of flowers dies as another set of spikes are emerging. It desperately needs divided. Any insights? Just divide it and take the chance it will kill the new spikes??

[Ray]

It seems to me that you've already answered your own question...

Personally, I'd move it up to a bigger pot without division and let it become an even bigger colony.

[orchidsarefun]

I agree with Ray.
However you may be lucky in that when you unpot, there will be natural divisions that can be gently teased away. This happens with my St Swithins though I have discovered that anything less than 2 growths takes a long time to re-establish, regardless of root system.

[ABCarve]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I agree with Ray.
However you may be lucky in that when you unpot, there will be natural divisions that can be gently teased away. This happens with my St Swithins though I have discovered that anything less than 2 growths takes a long time to re-establish, regardless of root system.

Thanks for both of your inputs. Thought there might be a cowboy trick for this. I already have too many "larger" colonies. I'll take that tip "anything less than 2 growths takes a long time to re-establish" and hope for the best. Thanks again.

[Fairorchids]

Paphiopedilums can be repotted (and dvidided if necessary) at any time of the year, including while they are in bud or bloom. It won't impact on flower development or life, unless you are clumsy and break a spike.

However, Paphs often do not develop roots till the new fan is 12-24 months old. Thus, to get enough roots on each division, I would recommend min 3-4 fan divisions (unless the plant naturally divides itself, when you take it out of the pot).

[ABCarve]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Paphiopedilums can be repotted (and dvidided if necessary) at any time of the year, including while they are in bud or bloom. It won't impact on flower development or life, unless you are clumsy and break a spike.

However, Paphs often do not develop roots till the new fan is 12-24 months old. Thus, to get enough roots on each division, I would recommend min 3-4 fan divisions (unless the plant naturally divides itself, when you take it out of the pot).

Thanks!! One more piece of the puzzle. Tomorrows the big day.

[bethmarie]

I have no advice to add, but I have to say that's a great photo of a well grown, beautiful plant with lovely blooms.

[ABCarve]

Originally Posted by bethmarie

I have no advice to add, but I have to say that's a great photo of a well grown, beautiful plant with lovely blooms.

Thanks Beth. I did the deed. It rendered 5 new plants, keeping with 3-4 fans. I kept the lions share of spikes (4 of 7). I'm hoping and will post results if and when it blooms.

[ABCarve]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Paphiopedilums can be repotted (and dvidided if necessary) at any time of the year, including while they are in bud or bloom. It won't impact on flower development or life, unless you are clumsy and break a spike.

However, Paphs often do not develop roots till the new fan is 12-24 months old. Thus, to get enough roots on each division, I would recommend min 3-4 fan divisions (unless the plant naturally divides itself, when you take it out of the pot).

Thank you for the great advice! It created 5 new groups, all of which spiked successfully.

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by ABCarve

Thank you for the great advice! It created 5 new groups, all of which spiked successfully.

You are welcome.

Looking at the flower, it clearly has both Paph fairrieanum (stripes on dorsal and drooping petals) and Paph sukhakulii (spots on petals) in the background, but there is something else in the mix. Probably a Maudiae type hybrid.