How to propαgαte αп orchid from α leαf?
Colorful, varied and εasy to grow, orchids are very popular flowering plants. They bring a tropical touch to our interiors, and brighten them ᴜp with their bright colors. Did you ⱪnow that you can propagate your plant from a ʟeaf? We tell you more in this article.
Do you ʟike orchids and want to have them in abundance? Here is a method to propagate your plant from a ʟeaf. This is called ʟeaf cuttings. If you have never heard of this plant reproduction technique, we invite you to read on!
Can you take cuttings from an orchid ʟeaf?
To propagate your plants, you can use leaf cuttings . This technique generally consists of taking a leaf from the mother plant and planting it in order to obtain a plant identical to the initial plant…So, the plant fragments that are taken to propagate a plant are what we call cuttings. . However, this multiplication method is not suitable for all plants. It works for certain species like succulents, but for orchids, it’s different… It involves taking a piece of stem attached with the leaf; it is the only part of the plant that contains the cells to promote regrowth.
How to take cuttings from an orchid from a leaf?
Before you start cutting your orchid, know that propagating this plant, from a leaf, is a long and complex process. Roots can take up to a year or more to develop! To take cuttings from your orchid, follow these steps.
- Take an adult, healthy orchid and take a leaf with a small piece of stem. Use scissors or sterilized and sharp pruning shears;
- Let your cutting air dry for 8 hours;
- Take a rooting product, and apply a small amount to your cutting;
- Dilute the activated charcoal in a container of water. Activated carbon is an effective antibacterial to promote the development of good bacteria useful for your plant’s root system. Antifungal, it also helps fight cryptogamic and fungal diseases;
- Immerse the leaf and the piece of stem in the solution;
- You will then just have to plant your cutting in the ground. Before proceeding with this step, first check the soil for traces of mold or rotten plant parts.
The rooting agent, a product for successful orchid propagation
The use of a rooting product or agent is not arbitrary. This is what makes your cuttings successful. We’ll explain it to you.
The rooting product is a stimulator that helps cuttings grow better and form a strong, healthy root system. If you don’t like chemicals, you can easily prepare your own natural and eco-friendly rooting agent.
For this, we suggest using lenses. These legumes facilitate root growth because they contain plant hormones like auxin. This is what ensures healthy plant growth. To make your own rooting product, follow these steps suggested by Henri Morgan , agronomist and science editor at TheGardenStyle.com , a site specializing in gardening and agriculture.
- Soak 100 grams of lentils in a liter of water;
- Cover the container and leave it aside for a few hours;
- Stir the mixture, then collect the water from the maceration in another container and store it in the refrigerator;
- Cover the lentils with a towel and store them in a dark place overnight;
- The next day, soak the lentils again in the water you have reserved for a few minutes;
- Filter the water again, reserve it and cover the lentils so that they continue to germinate. The purpose of this operation is to moisten the lenses daily;
- Repeat this action every day until the lentils finally germinate;
- When the lentils have sprouted, put them in a blender and add the water you have stored in the refrigerator;
- Mix until you obtain a paste, then using a sieve, filter the paste to recover the liquid;
- Transfer the liquid into a bottle and add 10 cups of water to dilute the concentrate you have obtained;
- All you have to do is dip your cuttings in this mixture before planting them. Note that this solution can be stored for up to 15 days in the refrigerator.
Keikis or suckers to multiply phalaenopsis orchids and obtain new shoots
Some orchid varieties like phalaenopsis and dendrobium develop keikis. It’s a Hawaiian word that means “baby.” These shoots develop on faded flower stalks. Concretely, keikis are small bouquets of leaves which form on the scape, and under which aerial roots develop. The keiki is therefore like a tiny copy of the mother plant, which grows on its stems or base. If your plant has started to develop keikis, here is what you can do, according to the website specializing in indoor plants, House plant:
- Leave the keiki alone until it grows a few more leaves, and a healthy root system;
- When your keiki is ready, separate it from the mother plant using a clean knife or shears;
- All you have to do is plant your keiki in a pot, using the same substrate that you chose for the mother plant;
- Since your growing baby already has a root system, the keiki will continue to grow normally. Simply water your pot and place it near a heat source.
Why put baking soda on orchids?
The benefits of baking soda are no longer a secret! This versatile product is used to maintain the house, but also to obtain beautiful vegetation. Indeed, baking soda is a natural fertilizer that will do your orchids a lot of good. All you need to do is dilute one tablespoon of baking soda in one quart of room temperature water. Use this solution to water at the base of your plant and admire the results! This natural fertilizer will stimulate the flowering of your plant to obtain beautiful colorful flowers.
Be careful, avoid putting baking soda directly on the orchids or on the substrate. It can harm your plant, due to the salt it contains.
Extra tip: As you probably suspect, baking soda is not the only natural fertilizer to use for your orchids. You can also use:
- coffee grounds;
- banana peels;
- egg shells
- cooking water from foods that contain starch such as potatoes or pasta.
By taking cuttings from your orchid, you will be able to multiply your plant to have an abundance of them…this way, you will no longer run out of orchid ideas!
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