How to propagate Phalaenopsis orchids by division
Do you know these? The related experience of dividing Phalaenopsis orchids and the process diagram of flower planting, the editor will introduce to you next.
There are many ways to propagate Phalaenopsis orchids, including seed propagation, division propagation, and tissue culture propagation. Depending on different purposes and difficulty levels, we can choose different propagation methods. Seed propagation is very challenging, tissue culture propagation is mainly for large-scale production, and home care usually involves division propagation.
Advantages and disadvantages of several propagation methods for Phalaenopsis orchids:
Seed propagation: The main advantage of seed propagation for Phalaenopsis orchids is to ensure the quality of the variety, and it can also obtain new varieties through hybridization. Therefore, seed propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids is usually done by breeders, variety improvement, and enthusiasts. The disadvantage is the difficulty, as the seeds of Phalaenopsis orchids are thread-like and require the use of the mother plant's culture medium to propagate after collection, which is very challenging. For home care, it can be a fun experiment but is almost impossible to succeed.
Tissue culture propagation: Tissue culture propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids is mainly for large-scale production, and some large-scale orchid bases propagate Phalaenopsis orchids through tissue culture. The advantage is rapid propagation with large quantities, but the disadvantage is that home care does not have such facilities, and it is not practical to propagate a few seedlings using tissue culture.
Division propagation: The most commonly used method for home care of Phalaenopsis orchids is division propagation. Every year, many new buds sprout from the roots of the orchid. After normal care, these new buds will grow into new individuals. We can cut the plant to turn one orchid into several. The advantage is that it is very suitable for home propagation and is simple to operate, but the disadvantage is that it cannot propagate in large quantities.
What should we pay attention to during propagation? I will share the commonly used division propagation method for home care of Phalaenopsis orchids. If the operation is proper, the survival rate will double, turning one pot into several:
1. Divide after the new buds have unfolded leaves
When we see new buds, we should not rush to divide but wait until the new buds have unfolded leaves and almost become new individuals before dividing. When dividing, try to take some roots, not just cutting off the new individual, as this can increase the survival rate.
2. Dry the growing medium and remove the pot
When dividing, the growing medium should be dry. We usually use sphagnum moss, which is easy to handle. If using other growing media, it should be dry. Dry and remove the pot, which makes it easy to clean the growing medium without damaging the roots.
3. Disinfect the cuttings and let the roots soften in the shade
After cutting the new individuals of Phalaenopsis orchids, remember to disinfect them. Then place them in a shaded area to let the roots dry. It is recommended to pot the orchids after the roots have softened, as this makes it easier for the roots to absorb water quickly and reduces the risk of breaking when potting.
4. Gradual acclimatization after potting
After potting, wrap with sphagnum moss and do not expose to direct sunlight. Allow the plant to acclimatize first. Usually, new roots will appear in about half a month, and then you can proceed with normal care.
The above introduces how to divide Phalaenopsis orchids and the detailed content related to the process diagram of dividing Phalaenopsis orchids. I hope it can be helpful to you!