Propagating Orchids from Cuttings – A Step-by-Step Photo Guide

The Best Temperature Conditions for Growing Orchids

Not all orchids do well in the same temperature range, but the common types that are sold in stores will do well in most indoor settings. Orchids usually do best when the temperature is between 70 and 75 degrees during the day and between 60 and 65 degrees at night.

Plants enjoy being placed near a shower or bathtub where they experience steamy conditions. Good air flow is very important for orchid health, and they will do best if you put them near a window that is protected and has warm but not hot air flow.

Keep a close eye though, if the temperature is too cool, flower production may be stalled. If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to maintain humidity for your orchid, try making a humidity tray.

To water or not to water? That is the question! Most types of indoor orchids only need to be watered once a week during the cooler months. To water plants, put them in a sink or tub and soak them well. Then, let the water drain away. It is better to not water too much than too little because the roots need to breathe and will rot if they get too much water.

During the summer, water the plants twice a week and use a sprayer to mist them on really hot days. Fertilizing an orchid plant on a regular basis will help generate flowers. Fertilize plants a minimum of every 3 weeks and preferably every week to boost flower production. Choose a fertilizer specifically manufactured for orchids.

Most orchids prefer being slightly crowded, otherwise, the roots may be susceptible to excessive moisture and rotting. There are many kinds of orchid potting mix sold at nurseries. A lot of them have a lot of bark in them, which lets the roots get air.

The main objective when repotting an orchid plant is to allow for good drainage and air circulation. Repot an orchid or give it some fresh potting mix every two years.

Finding the right environment to allow an orchid to produce new flowers requires a few simple steps. If the light, temperature, and humidity are right, an orchid that is healthy will keep making beautiful flowers for many years.

In 2017, I had the pleasure of visiting Floricultura’s location in Salinas, California. Oh my goodness, was it ever impressive! They were in the midst of preparing for their California spring trials, and they were growing orchids left and right.

It’s a dream come true to be in a warehouse full of plants that are being grown from cuttings to huge plants that are blooming. I barely have enough room on my windowsills to propagate!.

Orchids being so finicky, most people don’t think to propagate them. However, they are so lovely it is worth the patience and effort. The staff at Floricultura gave me some great advice while I was there, and I’d love to share some of them with you.

There are a few ways you can propagate an orchid at home. I’m going to cover 3 different methods: division, stem cuttings, and offshoots. There are different ways to care for different types of orchids, so make sure you look at yours carefully first to see which method might work best.

Even though stem cuttings are an easy way to grow orchids, they don’t always work as well as other ways. But I think you should give it a try because that’s how the California Orchid Center grows new orchids!

First, identify which stem to cut. Only stems with a keiki can be propagated from a cutting (no leaf cuttings will work). It should be thick, healthy, at least 10 inches high, and have a good aerial root system to help you find it. Make sure it’s not a flower spike!.

Cut the stem near the base of the orchid and just above a node, or leaf joint. This will allow a new orchid to continue to grow from the trimmed stem.

Next, cut your stem into smaller pieces that contain at least 2 nodes each and aerial roots. I then like to cover the ends with an anti-fungal such as cinnamon or charcoal.

Place the stems horizontally in a tray of damp sphagnum moss. Put the tray in a clear plastic bag to help keep the water inside, and then put it somewhere bright (but not direct) sunlight. Always make sure there is enough humidity! After a few months, you should start to see new leaves and roots grow.

You will want to use this method once the plant has fully matured and finished flowering. This method is best if an orchid has outgrown its pot and is a few years old. There are a couple different approaches to dividing orchids, using either active or dormant pseudobulbs.

Plants that are actively growing will have stems and leaves, and they can be split up as long as they have enough roots to keep growing. Carefully cut and separate between rhizomes and then replant separately.

Dormant pseudobulbs will have no leaves or stems and will sit “sleeping” in the pot. They can be carefully divided and planted on their own. Eventually, they should start growing and produce a brand new orchid.

This is the easiest way to propagate orchids if you’re lucky enough to have them. These little offshoots are often referred to as a keiki, meaning baby in Hawaiian. They are small plants that will form at the base of the orchid or off of a stem. Only cut keikis once the parent plant has finished flowering.

Water the parent plant before you begin cutting. Then, cut the shoots off below the plant’s stem and roots when they are big enough (at least three leaves) and have roots that are 1 inch deep.

Plant it in sphagnum moss with the roots near the surface. Keep your keiki moist at all times and avoid putting in direct sunlight until established.

If your orchid is healthy and happy, you should be able to use one of these methods to make more orchids. Or, if you’re happy continuing to baby your one, don’t mess with what is already working!.

Lighting Conditions for Orchids

First things first, find the best place for your orchid to grow. The most important thing about caring for an orchid plant is making sure it gets the right amount and kind of light.

Very few plants will produce new flowers if kept under insufficient lighting conditions. A healthy flowering orchid in its natural environment receives filtered light for several hours during the day. The plants get some sun and bright light through the rainforest all day because of the other plants that are above them.

Indoors, an orchid plant bred from a nursery will thrive under very bright light. However, protect the plant from direct sun that might burn the leaves or flowers. Orchids should receive at least 3 – 4 hours of clear light each day.

Fluorescent lighting might help flowers grow, but it’s usually not enough to use as the only source of light. If you really want your orchid to flower more than once, pay close attention to how much and what kind of light it is getting.

How to Grow Orchids from Stem Cuttings

FAQ

Where do you cut orchids for new growth?

Can you grow an orchid tree from a cutting?

Can you root an orchid stem in water?

How to grow an orchid from a stem cutting?

How to propagate orchid cuttings?

To propagate orchid cuttings, you will need a few key supplies. The first step is to gather the necessary supplies. You will need healthy orchid cuttings, rooting hormone, clean scissors or a sharp knife, a clean container, and a good growing medium.

How to plant orchid cuttings in a container?

A good mix for orchid cuttings should contain perlite, sphagnum moss, and bark. The container should be slightly larger than the cutting and should have holes in the bottom for drainage. Finally, you will need to plant the orchid cutting. Place the cutting in the container and fill it with the potting mix.

Can you grow orchids from cuttings?

Growing orchids from cuttings is a rewarding experience for any gardener! With the right technique and a bit of patience, you can successfully propagate orchids from a single stem cutting. You can save time and money by propagating your own orchid cuttings, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your orchids for years to come.

How do you prepare a cutting medium for orchids?

When preparing the cutting medium for orchid cuttings, consider using a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, or a specialized orchid potting mix. Ensure the medium has the right moisture content, neither too wet nor too dry. Check the pH levels of the medium to ensure they are suitable for orchid growth.

How do I choose the best orchid cuttings?

When selecting orchid cuttings, pay close attention to the following factors: Stem Condition: Look for robust, firm stems that are free from any signs of damage or disease. Avoid cuttings with wilting or discolored stems, as they may indicate poor health. Leaf Health: Examine the leaves of the orchid cutting.

How do you care for an orchid cutting?

Orchids need to be watered regularly, but not too much. The soil should be damp, but not soggy. Water your orchid cutting with a mist sprayer or by dipping it in water. Third, you should make sure the orchid cutting is planted in the right medium. Orchids grow best in light, well-draining media such as sphagnum moss, bark, or perlite.