What a mess!

[MichaelP]

I was just given this B. nodosa by an elderly neighbor when he found out I have orchids. It has not been cared for since his wife died. This plant has been outdoors for about 7 years and never watered or fertilized, only what nature provides in Florida. As you can see, the basket is completely rotted and I think the only thing holding it all together is the roots!

My question is; how would you divide this thing? Should I machete my way through and make 3-5 bark mounted divisions? Or maybe pull the old wood away and try and wrap the plant around a tree fern ball I saw at a nursery?

The basket is 12 X 12, so the orchid is a pretty good size.

[Ron-NY]

Michael...nice score!!! It looks like a nice short clone...wonderful!! I have a small collection of nodosa clones. ...this species prefers neglect & bright light. I would remove the basket and attach to a tree or put in a new basket and hang it bright...hit it with a hose once and awhile. You have to remember in the wild no one is out there fertilizing.

oh before you tie can I have a clipping???

[Tom-19951]

I would just pull it out and clean it up, then put it in a bigger basket . If you really want to downsize the plant, I would just divide it in half.

[MichaelP]

So, I might be able to turn the poor old thing into a nice specimen? Sweeeet!

[Tom-19951]

Yes! and you can send some dead ones to Ron.J/K

[walingwaling]

Yes! and you can send some dead ones to Ron.J/K

best advice ever! what a laugh!

now, dont send it to me, its the other ron.lol

as for your plant, it was all said above, you choice now.
its a fantastic looking plant and good example how well orchids can do without beeing pampered.

[Tmai]

Oh no, Michael, that baby is hopeless. Please sent it to me for recycling. If you really can't let go of it I agree with Ron. Cut it up and put it on a tree. That will be one division for good advice please.

Tami

[Molly Taco]

Oh no, Michael, that baby is hopeless. Please sent it to me for recycling. If you really can't let go of it I agree with Ron. Cut it up and put it on a tree. That will be one division for good advice please.

Tami

I'm Closer than Tami send it to me !!!! Actually it would do quite well on a tree if you have one to mount it on.
Cin

[madphrag]

That would be a beautiful mess to me!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

WOW - that is really a great gift! I would try to keep it as one plant. Just think what a little care will do for it if it looks that good with no care!

Cheers,
BD