How Big Do you let them grow ?

[hank3443]

Hi, I have been thinking lately about dividing a few (3) of my orchids. I grow mostly miniature Phals. and some other compact growers so I the only plants I have are a Miltoniopsis, Dendrobium and a Oncidium, all three are in a 8" pot and are overflowing. I realize that the blooms are much more abundant with the larger plant but my growing space for plants of this size is limited, I also hang them outside during the summer and the 8" pots are at the limit. I don't have any desire for multiples of these plants and I know it up to the individual but I'm just curious as to how large other growers let their plants grow. I will appreciate anyones input to my question. Thanks Hank.....

[pavel]

That is completely subjective, Hank. What it all boils down to is what works best for you. Some folks let their plants get to huge proportions because, as you mentioned, you can get some magnificent floral displays that way. However, those same folks are almost always people who have plenty of available space. Personally, I rarely allow a plant to even get to the 6" pots size and rarer still to hit the 8" or bigger. I simply don't have that kind of space. So I divide my plants when they get bigger than I want and usually trade off the divisions or donate them to my old os for their auctions.

[Daethen]

If you feel they are overwhelming your growing space, I would divide them and trade some pieces off like pavel said.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I usually only divide for the health of the plant or if a friend wants a division.

cheers,
BD

[Kmac]

I divide to keep them at a manageable size (considering my space is limited)...and bcs I find larger pots to easy to let the roots stay too damp.