From my perspective, the best time for you to consider dividing me is when I am at my strongest and most resilient. This is typically in the late spring or early summer, when the increasing daylight and warmer temperatures signal a period of vigorous growth. I am bursting with energy, ready to produce new roots and leaves. This surge of vitality means I can recover much more quickly from the stress of being separated. Please do not attempt this during my dormant period in the cooler, darker months; I am resting and will struggle to heal, making me susceptible to rot and disease.
You will know I am ready for division by observing my form. Look for a plant that has become congested. I will have multiple stems emerging from the soil, often forming a tight clump. My pot might feel overly tight, and roots may even be circling the inside or growing out of the drainage holes. I might not be flowering as profusely as before because my energy is divided among too many growing points. Division is not just a way for you to create new plants; for me, it is a necessary refresh, allowing each new section more space, soil, and resources to thrive.
The most critical part of this process is the handling of my root system. Please water me thoroughly a day before the division. This hydrates my cells, making me more flexible and less brittle, and it helps the soil hold together, reducing root breakage. Gently remove me from my pot. You will see a mass of roots and stems. Do not simply pull me apart. Instead, use your fingers to carefully tease and untangle the root mass, identifying natural separation points between stems. If I am very tightly bound, you may need to use a clean, sharp knife to make a clean cut through the rhizome and roots, ensuring each new section has at least two or three leaves and a healthy portion of roots. A ragged tear can cause unnecessary damage and open pathways for infection.
Once divided, each of my new sections needs an immediate and stable home. Plant each division into a small pot filled with a fresh, well-aerating potting mix that mimics my natural epiphytic habitat—something chunky with peat, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal. The pot should be just large enough to accommodate my roots with a little room to grow; too large a pot holds excess moisture that my reduced root system cannot absorb, leading to root rot. Water me lightly after potting to settle the soil around my roots. Then, place me in a warm location with very bright, indirect light. High humidity is crucial for my recovery, as my reduced root system will struggle to supply enough water to my leaves. Please hold off on fertilizing for at least 4-6 weeks; my focus must be on root establishment, not new leaf growth, and fertilizers can burn my delicate new roots.
