How to Propagate Phalaenopsis Orchids
Sharing experiences on how to propagate Phalaenopsis orchids and tips for beginners on caring for them. Let's explore this together.
Friends who keep Phalaenopsis orchids at home and want to propagate them are eager to know the simplest way to do so. The flower spike germination method and the stem cutting propagation method are the two simplest approaches. The flower spike germination method is simple and stable, while the stem cutting propagation method is faster, allowing you to choose based on your own needs. In addition, daily care is necessary to make the orchids bloom more beautifully.
One, The Simplest Propagation Method for Phalaenopsis Orchids
1. Flower Spike Germination Method
After the flowers of the Phalaenopsis orchid wilt, you can see many root-bearing seedlings growing from the nodes of the flower spike. Cutting these and caring for them properly will grow into a new orchid plant. However, the natural growth condition is often not ideal, so artificial germination is usually adopted.
【Cutting the Spike】
First, cut off the flowering part of the spike, then carefully remove the bracts between the first and third nodes using a sharp knife, exposing the bud points in the nodes. Be careful during this process.
【Applying Hormones】
Then, dip a cotton swab in a germination hormone and evenly apply it to the bud points on the nodes, which can quickly promote germination. After that, place it in a semi-shaded area.
【Leaf Growth and Rooting】
To make the bud points sprout and root quickly, the temperature should be maintained at around 25-28°C. After 2-3 weeks, you can see the bud points growing leaves, and after three months, they will grow aerial roots. Finally, cut this small plant and plant it in a pot.
2. Stem Cutting Propagation Method
This method is commonly known as "cutting the head," which involves cutting off the part of the Phalaenopsis orchid with roots and repotting it. The remaining part will start to grow new buds because it lacks the main stem.
The axils of Phalaenopsis orchid leaves will have 1-3 latent buds, but they basically do not sprout into branches. So, when the plant grows longer, cut off the part with roots and plant it in a new pot. After leaving the rootstock, 1-3 new branches will sprout.