Spring is a busy time in the greenhouse and a good time to divide large plants to give them fresh compost and room to grow. Our big plant of Cattleya trianae is definitely ready for fresh compost and freedom from the ferns that have invaded its basket.

Using sterile secateurs (flame them on a gas ring) the first job is to cut the plant into pieces with at least two pseudobulbs, preferably three like this piece.

The flowers need to go, so that the plant puts its efforts into new roots and a new growth.

The plant made ten nice divisions – the waste plant material and old compost is composted, any plastic and metal is removed for washing and reusing.

Finally the divisions are planted in baskets and pots of course bark. Remember to check which direction the plant is growing in, so that there is lots of room for the next two years of new growths.