Orchid breeding and propagation is a topic in itself, due to the relatively complicated reproductive mechanism of these plants. However, sometimes offshoots form on the flower stems of a Phalaenopsis. Then you should definitely try propagation.
How to propagate Phalaenopsis orchids?
Phalaenopsis orchids can be propagated by cuttings, so-called kindles. Kindel grow on dead flower stems and should remain on the mother plant until they develop small roots. They can then be used in the fine orchid substrate.
Can you propagate orchids yourself?
Growing an orchid from seed can take up to ten years and is very complicated. This type of propagation is not suitable for hobby breeders. But what you can try is growing from an offshoot or kindle. These sometimes form spontaneously after flowering. Alternatively, you can try to draw some yourself.
Where can I get cuttings from?
Offshoots usually grow on their own on flowering stems, but unfortunately only rarely. If you want to stimulate formation, cut off the stem before it becomes too dry. Use a very clean, ideally sterile knife for this.
Place the stem on moist peat or sphagnum. This peat moss serves as a water reservoir during cultivation and should always remain moist, but not too wet. To keep the humidity constant, you can use transparent film to cover.
How should I treat Kindel?
If a child grows on its own on the dead stem of your Phalaenopsis, then leave it on the mother plant until it has formed small roots. For better water supply and to encourage root development, wrap a little sphagnum around the stem, just below the stem. Here too, always keep the sphagnum slightly moist.
If the stem becomes dry, cut it off just below and above the child. Then place the small plant in relatively fine orchid substrate. The coarser the substrate, the harder it is for the very tiny roots to grow. To thrive, the young plant needs consistently high humidity and a bright, draft-free location.
The most important things in brief:
- Sowing only possible for professionals
- spontaneous child education
- Creation of offshoots possible
- Young plants very sensitive
Tip
Instead of watering, it is better to spray the plant regularly.
