Phragmipedium conchiferum orchid division problems

[Pediumman]

Hello, my name is Hunter and this is my very first post. I have a question regarding rooting hormone on my phrag. I recently recieved a division of a phrag. Conchiferum from a friend of mine and I noticed that there was one root that is about 6-7" long. Assuming this isn't adequate, I was wondering if basic rooting hormone would be appropriate to use. Could I just brush some onto the base of the plant or will this be ineffective?

Thank you for all of your support, and I appreciate your honesty and intelligence!

[Ray]

For the most part, the powdered rooting hormones are too concentrated for use on the root zone of orchids. Instead, a liquid version, properly diluted, is the way to go - KelpMax, K-L-N, and SuperThrive come to mind immediately.

If the plant is not potted, I'd immerse the whole plant in a tepid solution of one of them (KelpMax @ 1 Tbsp/gal, the others at 1 tsp/gal) for 30 minutes, then pot it up. If already potted, then pour it on an soak the medium. If your product is fresh (less of a concern with KelpMax), then one application might be plenty. Repeating it in 2-3 weeks is fine, but more frequent addition is simply a waste of product.

[Pediumman]

Thank you very much ray. I'll look into this. I will also share this info with my hort Instructor at RCTC. We previously recieved a donation of about 100 tropical orchids, and some aren't doing so hot due to their root structure. I appreciate your insight, and I'm sure we'll be able to fix the problem! I wish you great luck growing, and will keep the questions comin!