How to Achieve Orchid Propagation
Orchid propagation encompasses all methods used to reproduce and multiply orchids. Because these plants are designed to reproduce, there are a lot of different ways that you can produce new orchids. Most growers are able to successfully apply these methods, while other methods are too complicated to be done by the home-grower and must be accomplished in a lab environment.
Here are three commonly used methods for orchid propagation:
Division: This is the most used and the simplest at-home method of orchid propagation typically done during repotting in the early spring just as the new growth begins.
All you have to do is divide a grown plant into two or more plants, making sure that the roots are sufficient on each part. By doing so, each of the new plants will usually develop into a properly flowering good sized orchid plant that will thrive just like the original one and will be able to bloom the following season.
It is important to note that plants that are divided like this should only be divided if each division will have at least one new growth tip and at least three back bulbs.
Cuttings: The cutting method is another one of the easiest methods that allow orchid propagation. The way that you accomplish this however, is dependent upon your orchid type. For example, an epiphytic orchid will have aerial roots scattered all along the stem, so the step should only be cut beneath the roots in order to create cuttings. In order to keep the cutting as stable as possible in its new pot, place it in a small pot and cover its roots with a potting mixture that encourages growth.
Some orchids are made for growing in the ground, and they have different requirements so the cutting procedure is different. These orchid plants will grow a little pseudo bulb when they are ready to reproduce. What you need to do is to cut one of the newly formed pseudo bulbs, keeping some of the healthy roots still attached. Carefully plant the bulb in a smaller pot, keep the roots down and cover them delicately with potting mix but make sure the little pseudo bulbs are up in the fresh air.
Orchids have very unique, dusty looking seeds which can be planted. To carry out orchid propagation with seeds, you must do it under sterile conditions, and special equipment must be used. Professionals are really the only ones that are able to propagate in this way, as a laboratory is really required for this method.
If you want to expand and have a beautiful orchid garden, it is crucial that you learn the best method for orchid propagation for your particular kinds of orchid so that you get the best results.
While these are just the 3 simplest and most commonly used methods for orchid propagation, there are many other methods that can be used. Orchid propagation is not a difficult task, you just have to follow some simple instruction and you will be propagating orchids easily and in no time.
Once you have an idea which method of orchid propagation is the most suitable method to multiply your orchid plants you will enjoy the process and the results.
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Find more articles from Nancy Molins: Orchid Propagation on Squidoo and Orchid Propagation on Go Articles
