You have a good point there, Elaine. The problem with that is that dividing an orchid will produce 2-4 divisions, and I always try to keep one for myself. At least that is so over the last 6 years. I don't even consider whether the plant I keep is the "mother" plant or one of her divisions. It really makes no difference to me. Then, after a year or two, that one division I kept might be divided again. After years of doing this, I am as likely to have a second or third generation division (or with some of my really old plants, a 4th-6th generation division) as the original plant. The Copper Queen, Elmhurst, and Emerald Isle are good examples of this. My original "mother" plants are long gone and I am working with a third generation division of the Copper Queen and fifth and sixth generation divisions of the Emerald Isle and the Elmhurst. I guess I am simply lucky with dividing plants. As far as I know, I have never lost a division over the last decade or so.
only kidding...but I hardly ever do it , once I accidently broke a piece off during a repot day..it established nicely and has gone to live a happy blooming life in Miami...I LOVE seeing grand plants with multiple blooming spikes.
