Phalaenopsis Orchid: Propagation at Home

It's commonly believed that propagating phalaenopsis at home is a rather difficult process. However, this is a misconception. Even a novice can handle the task and grow a beautiful flower in their own home.

Gardeners approach propagating phalaenopsis at home with extreme caution. By familiarizing themselves with the basic growing rules, you can grow several phalaenopsis plants from a single plant.

The fact is, phalaenopsis is an easy-to-grow plant. Even a beginner can learn how to grow an orchid.

How to propagate phalaenopsis

Orchids are held in high regard by gardeners. The plant attracts everyone's attention and is a true home decoration. However, not everyone knows that orchids can be propagated independently. There are various propagation methods, each with its own unique characteristics and nuances.

Reproduction by babies

This option is considered the simplest. Sometimes, dormant buds produce offspring. However, buds often need to be stimulated. To perform this procedure, you can use the following methods: dividing the plant, dividing the flower stalk, using a special paste, or drought.

1. Dividing the plant. To divide the plant, cut off the top with a knife and treat the cut area with charcoal. When dividing, the top section should have more than two roots, and the bottom section should have approximately four leaves. The top section acts as an independent plant and should be planted in a separate container. After propagating the phalaenopsis orchid this way, offspring will form. Once the roots reach 5 cm, they should be transplanted into a separate container.
2. Drought. Propagation involves infrequent watering and allowing for drastic temperature fluctuations. Daytime temperatures should be around 28 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures should be around 18 degrees Celsius. Allow the soil to dry out and the buds to warm for two weeks. This period is sufficient for the buds to begin swelling. The first leaves will appear within seven days.
3. Dividing the flower stalk. All procedures must be carried out in the same order as when propagating by cuttings.
4. Hormonal paste. To stimulate the appearance of babies, you need to prepare a special paste, a toothpick, and tweezers. The top bud should be treated, first removing the scales. Use tweezers to remove the scales; the new bud will be located underneath. Apply the paste to the bud with a toothpick, repeating the procedure after 5 days. Five treatments will be required.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagating Phalaenopsis orchids by cuttings is the most common method. There are several options for this procedure.

First, cut a shoot from the side. Make several petioles from it, each no more than 4 cm long. A dormant bud should be present in the center of the cutting. The cut area is treated with charcoal.

Next, place the cuttings on a damp surface to create a small greenhouse. You can use plastic film. For germination, you'll need sphagnum moss or wet sand. It's important to maintain humidity in the greenhouse, keeping the temperature around 28 degrees Celsius.

Propagation by peduncle

To use this method, you need to cut off a portion of the flower stalk with a sharp knife. The cuttings should be no more than 20 cm long. Treat the cut area with crushed charcoal. Dry the cuttings by keeping them in a warm place for 24 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare a container with the substrate. Bark serves as the soil. The mixture should be placed in pots and watered thoroughly. Then, plant the cuttings in the substrate and cover them with a protective covering. The temperature should be maintained at around 25 degrees Celsius.

Propagation by seeds

The process is labor-intensive and is mostly used by professionals. To use this method, you need to prepare an artificial nutrient medium. The seeds must be kept in it for 3 to 9 months.

Only after three years will the seeds produce a plant that can be planted in a separate container. Flowering will occur no sooner than after two years.

Propagation by leaves

Orchid leaves lack growth points, making propagation this way impossible.

Breeding errors

There are various ways to grow a young plant. Each method is unique and requires following certain rules. However, not all gardeners can boast of growing an orchid on their own windowsill. What could be the reason for this, and what are the most common mistakes?

1. A diseased plant should not be used for propagation. If the orchid has black, slimy roots or pale leaves, this is a sign that the plant is diseased.
2. Sterilization is essential after cutting. Don't forget to water regularly.
3. Plants should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight.
4. It's important to maintain temperature, humidity, and lighting within normal limits. Any deviation can harm the flowers.

Conclusion

Not all gardeners know how to propagate phalaenopsis at home. However, many want to grow the plant themselves. At first glance, the propagation process may seem quite labor-intensive. This opinion is considered incorrect. Once you learn all the intricacies of the process, even a novice can handle the task.

There are only a few methods of propagation, you just need to choose the right one and you can start working further.