Orchid can decorate any collection of indoor plants with its amazing appearance and rich flowering. All owners of these gorgeous flowers have ever thought about how the orchid reproduces at home.
There are many different ways of breeding it, and in this article we will consider the main methods that are the most productive and easy to implement: rhizome division, cuttings and cutting of airborne children. In fact,
caring for an orchid is not as complicated as it seems at first glance, and thanks to our tips you will be able to replenish your home collection of plants with young and healthy orchids.
How does an orchid reproduce at home by dividing the rhizome?
One of the most optimal, simple and reliable methods of breeding various varieties is the division of rhizomes. Using this method, it is successfully possible to propagate almost any type of home orchid - cattleya, cymbidium, papiopedilum etc. The division is usually carried out in early spring, when the plant is preparing for active growth and development. Only powerful, well-grown specimens that are already poorly placed in pots are suitable for this procedure. To perform the division, the orchid is carefully removed from the container and the rhizome is carefully released from the substrate. With the help of scissors (secateurs), the rhizome is cut in such a way that in each division there are 2-3 bulbs. Sections must be sprinkled with activated carbon (crushed) in order to avoid diseases. And then each part is planted in separate containers, watered and sprayed daily until the teething of young leaves or shoots. Weak delenki can be additionally covered with a plastic bag and maintain high humidity for them. After the emergence of new young roots, the plants are transplanted in containers for
permanent residence.
How is an orchid propagated at home by cuttings?
Another effective method of breeding these indoor plants is cuttings. This method is suitable for monopodial orchids that do not have pseudobulbs: phalaenopsis, aridis, vanda, vandopsis and others. To obtain cuttings from the mother plant, a side shoot or faded stems are cut. Then the biomaterial is cut into small pieces with a length of about 10-15 cm so that at least two nodes with axillary kidneys remain on each. Cuttings are laid flat on the surface of the moistened substrate and covered with a film, maintaining favorable conditions for their development. This is how a monopodial orchid is bred at home. The photo shows the process of plant propagation. A reproach will occur for about a month
The removal of biomaterial, which must be carefully looked after, maintaining the temperature and the necessary humidity in the greenhouse.
How does an orchid reproduce at home with airborne babies?
Some varieties, for example, such as dendrobium or phalaenopsis, form on their peduncles air babies (cakes) - side shoots that can be used as material for propagation. If such an escape is found, it is necessary to try to create the most comfortable conditions for the orchid - increased humidity and sufficient temperature. After the shoot has grown and forms new roots, it can be separated from the mother stem with a sharp knife. Cut points must be treated with charcoal (powder). After that, the orchid is planted at home. The soil is selected special - light and well-retaining moisture. Young plants must be closely monitored, sprayed with them and regularly moisten the substrate.