Paphiopedilum Dividing

[HHLL38]

I have a hybrid Paph. that I feel is ready to divide, does anyone have a video or can give me instructions on how to do so?

I've never divided anything other than a very obviously overgrown Oncidium that sort of divided itself.

Thanks in advance.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I have a hybrid Paph. that I feel is ready to divide, does anyone have a video or can give me instructions on how to do so?

I've never divided anything other than a very obviously overgrown Oncidium that sort of divided itself.

Thanks in advance.

Better post up a photo of the plant in question. When a slipper orchid is truly large enough to divide, it two presents an easy way to divide. You want to be careful to not divide a plant that is too young. Slipper orchids use the old growth that has bloomed before as a food source for the developing new growth. If you divide and take away the food source, you will likely not get blooms for quite some time.

cheers,
BD

[HHLL38]

Perhaps in that case it is not ready to divide, it has two mature growths, the first of which is blooming and a new growth that I thought may take well to being by itself.

However, hearing that it may sacrifice blooming is not something i'm interested in, love this plants flowers!

Thanks for the advice Bruce!

[Ron-NY]

I always leave at least three growths with a division. If the plant appears to be too large for it's pot, then you may wish to pot up to a larger size. Being Paphs are kept constantly moist, they need to be repotted yearly, maximum ever other year for the medium breaks down fairly quickly in a constant moist environment. I usually recommend repotting as new growth is developing for this will guarantee that the new growth will establish. Personally, I have too many plants to follow my advice and repot a large percentage of my collection in late winter or early spring. I have yet to lose a Paph from repotting.

I gently squeeze the plastic pot and dump the medium into a tub on the potting bench. While holding the plant, a few gentle shakes will remove most of the medium. I may need to hand pick out some remaining pieces. I then remove any old growth that is no longer needed, and do any divisions if warranted. I chose a pot that will leave enough room for two years growth. I position the old growths near the outside rim of the pot giving the new lead space for future growth. I fill the pot with pre-moistened new medium. I mark the back of the tag with "P" and the current month and year, so I know when the plant was last repotted. A thorough watering and back to the bench it goes.