Cattleychea Siam Jade 'Lakeview'

[JoeW]

Tim, Ron, what is a back-cut and what does one do it for? Thanks, Joe

[wetfeet101b]

Tim, Ron, what is a back-cut and what does one do it for? Thanks, Joe

Joe,
A back cut is cutting a rhizome to separate the back part of an orchid (older growth) from the younger side of the plant.
This is usually done without removing the plant from the pot to minimize stress.

The theory is that the newly separated older growth (back cut) will be forced to sprout new leads since it is no longer sending nutrients to the younger side of the plant.