A Detailed Guide to Propagating Cymbidium Orchids by Division

  Cymbidium orchids can generally be propagated by division. When new shoots begin to sprout in spring, this is the suitable time for division. The new divisions should have more than 3 pseudobulbs. After cutting apart, wait for the wounds to dry before potting. Healthy plants can be divided once every 3 years. The cutting tools should be sterilized during division to avoid introducing viral infections. After division, the potted Cymbidium orchid should be placed in a warm, humid environment until the new shoots emerge above the soil surface, after which normal care can be resumed.

  Specific method:

  Take the robustly growing plant out of the pot, and use a sharp knife to cut through where the pseudobulbs are connected, dividing it into several clumps. Each clump should carry 2-3 pseudobulbs (one of which must be newly formed in the previous year). Promptly coat the cut surfaces with sulfur powder or charcoal powder, place the newly divided plants in a dry spot to air-dry for 1-2 days, then pot them separately. The best time for division is after flowering and before new shoots grow out. If conditions permit, methods such as sterile sowing, fertilized embryo culture, and tissue culture can be used for large-scale propagation. Note that the pseudobulbs must be fully exposed above the surface of the growing medium. After planting, place them in a spot with partial shade and partial sun. Since the growing medium is moist at planting time, do not water for 1 week after planting; only mist the leaf surfaces (generally misting 4-6 times per day). After 1 week, gradually return to normal care.

  Normally, the key points for propagating Cymbidium orchids by division are:

  1. Choose the timing for division during the short dormant period after the plant has flowered but before the new shoots have grown large;

  2. Carry out division when the plant's roots are slightly whitish, soft, and dry;

  3. Healthy plants can be divided once every 2-3 years, and each divided orchid seedling clump should carry 2-3 pseudobulbs;

  4. Apply sulfur powder or charcoal powder to the plant's wounds to prevent infection;

  5. After placing the orchid seedlings in a dry spot for 1-2 days, they can be potted separately. Division propagation successful!

  Precautions for division propagation:

  1. After division, Cymbidium orchids need to be placed in partial shade;

  2. Do not water immediately; if the potting soil is found to be too dry, lightly spray a small amount of water on the leaves and the pot surface;

  3. Normal watering can only resume after new roots grow from the base of the new shoots;

  4. Observe the plant's health condition and avoid leaf drying, leaf drop, and pseudobulb shrinking (rehydrate).