Orchid Propagation Guide
If you are looking to reproduce and multiply your orchids, this guide on orchid propagation encompasses all of the necessary methods required for success. It’s just the term for multiplying and reproducing orchids, and there are several ways to do it. While methods do exist that can only be achieved under laboratory conditions, many other methods are available that most home gardeners can easily employ.
Here is the list of the three methods that are used most often in orchid propagation:
Division, this orchid propagation method is most often carried out during the early spring months when new growth is starting to occur. It is the most frequently used method done at home.
You need to begin with a mature orchid plant that you then turn into two plants by dividing the root system in half. As long as each part contains a new sprout, you can make more divisions if the plant will support it. Then you plant each of the sections separately in different pots and usually they will have no trouble growing into a beautiful orchid all on their own.
If this method is used, make sure to divide the plants only if each division will have at least three back bulbs and each division has at least one new apparent growth tip.
There is anothet orchid propagation method. Using the cutting method to grow new orchid plants is pretty common although not as easy as division. However, the how varies depending on the orchid type to be propagated. With epiphytic orchids, you need to cut the plant at the stem beneath the roots since this type of orchid has aerial roots that are strewn across the stem. Use a small pot that is filled with growing medium and replant the cutting to where the roots are covered to stabilize the position of the cutting in the new pot.
Some orchids are made for growing in the ground, and they have different requirements so the cutting procedure is different. For example, terrestrial orchids will form what is known as a pseudo bulb that will be used to sprout new growth when they are ready. As long as these pseudo bulbs have some healthy roots attached, they can be detached from the old plant. 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.
One characteristic that distinguishes orchids from other plants is that they have seeds that are like dust. To manage this orchid propagation task special equipment is requires and the work must be done in a sterile environment. This approach is applicable really only for the professionals who have access to a laboratory type set up.
Orchid propagation by division or cuttings may not seem like too much of a task but it is important to educate yourself on the best propagating method for your type of orchids and the requirements needed to make it a success.
There are many more orchid propagation methods but these 3 are the most simple ones and the easiest to achieve in your home. 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.
You will have a lot of fun creating new orchids from old ones when you have done the proper research to find out which orchid propagation method your plants prefer.
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