ORCHID PROPAGATION BY ROOTS, INCLUDING AIR: CAN IT BE DONE AT HOME AND IF SO, HOW?

Reproduction of orchids by roots is the most productive method of reproduction of these plants. This is one of the vegetative methods.

In most cases, it is customary to grow orchid varieties such as cymbidiums, cattleyas, and papiopedilium in this way.

It is worth more to dwell on this issue and consider all the pros and cons of the method.

Which species is used for breeding at home?

Orchids have roots that are underground, as well as aerial roots. It is possible to propagate a plant with the help of these two root systems.

The type of reproduction using roots is quite simple, but this requires middle-aged plants that have managed to gain their strength. At the same time often propagated through normal underground roots.

For this flower is removed from the pot. Then the division is carried out so that 2-3 bulbs remain on each fragment of the rhizome. Each part is planted in a separate container. Then it remains to water the orchid every day in moderation, and also to spray it. A new plant can please the owner in the same year.

There are main ways of breeding orchids, which are used depending on the type and condition of the flower:

Vegetative reproduction (this includes the division of the root system as well). It uses parts of an already adult plant. This includes cuttings, cuttings, pseudobulbs, side shoots, kids. The simplest methods include dividing the bush.
Seed and generative reproduction.
Meristem reproduction involves cloning a flower.
Selection method.

Is it possible to use the air method?

Orchid breeds aerial roots or air branches.

Not all orchids can be propagated with the help of air bends, but only their sympodial species. These layers have a pseudobulb (stem thickening). Inside them are dormant buds. In order to awaken such a kidney, you need to gently bend the stem with a pseudobulb. After that, it is removed, while the presence of a leaflet is not necessary, and is placed on the prepared moist layer of sphagnum in the pot. In order for the moss to germinate, special conditions are necessary.

First, a greenhouse is created for the plant; it is covered with a plastic cup.
Secondly, additional lighting is required.

Determining the appropriate time

It is better to propagate by roots in a warm season, for example, in spring, as these activities require elevated temperatures and long-term illumination. But if all the conditions in the room are created, you can do a transfer in the winter time.

Reference. Another advantage in favor of spring breeding is that it is during this period that the plant is full of sap and vitality.

How to make yourself?

Once again it is worth recalling that in this way the plant can be propagated. A young orchid will not endure such stress and will die.

Extract the plant and select the desired part of the rhizome

The flower, along with the roots, is taken out of the pot.
The roots are cleaned from the earth lump.
Now the rhizome is cut off with a well-sharpened knife.
2-3 pseudobulbs should remain on each site intended for planting.

In the case of a very small division, the result may turn out to be negative, such sprouts simply cannot gain strength and die.

Handling the cut point

Each place where the cut was made is best treated with cinnamon, so you can save the orchid from various diseases and pests. Another way to handle slices is more common. This is powdered with charcoal.

Planting new fragments in another tank

The soil in which the flower parts will be transplanted is no different from the one where the orchid grew in the past. Of course, ordinary land will not work, it will be necessary to purchase soil in a specialized store, it is desirable that it was intended for orchids.

In order for the orchid to grow actively and not be susceptible to diseases, the base of the soil during transplantation must be a mixture of peat, coconut fiber and small pieces of pine bark. Each pot is filled with an earthen mixture, into which the separated roots are then planted.

Planting an old flower in the same pot

The main part of the plant, on which the pseudobulb remained, is planted in its original place. But at the same time care for this part of the orchid should be special. Here are some flower care tips:

Part of the root should not be planted in the same way as an adult plant.
The root part is placed in a wet earthen plot.
In this case, the plant should be regularly sprayed.
The root can weaken greatly, for its resuscitation the usual package and sphagnum moss are taken.
It fits into the bag, and the rhizome is placed there.
After the emergence of young sprouts root can be planted in its place.
Do not forget about watering.

First watering

After the transplant, no watering is needed. The period of absence of watering is 10-14 days, that is, until new leaves and roots appear. Instead, parts of the orchid are sprayed and placed in a shaded place. In this case, the humidity in the room should be slightly increased. As soon as the grower notices that the plant has adapted, the pot can be moved to its original place.

Further difficulties and problems

Difficulties and problems with the division may arise due to the wrong actions of the grower. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider the most frequent mistakes during orchid transplantation and ways to eliminate them:

Incorrect landing time. It is worth multiplying the flower with the help of roots in springtime.
Incorrect breeding method. In this case, you need to focus on the flower. If the plant is strong, strong and overgrown, the division by roots is the most suitable way of reproduction.
During the period of active flowering of orchids, breeding is not carried out. The same prohibition applies if leaflets form on the plant.
If rotten roots are seen, they are removed.
If the cutting sites are not treated with charcoal, the plant will fall ill and soon die.

Aftercare

After transplanting parts of an orchid in separate pots, care must be taken to ensure proper care.

The soil for transplantation, as already mentioned above, must be purchased in a specialty store. In this case, the grower does not have to worry about the correctly selected soil.
At first, flower feeding is not needed. In addition, it may even be contraindicated.
For weakened, only gaining roots, care should be very careful. The light on the orchid pot should fall absently.
The room should be warm, the optimum temperature is +22 - 25 degrees.
After planting in a pot, a young plant is kept under a film for 30 days.

Despite the fact that there are several types of orchid breeding, the vegetative method is used most often. It is also called asexual reproduction. A feature of root division is that flowers are obtained genetically equal to the parent plant. If all the rules of care are observed steadily, then it is possible in such a way of breeding with time to get your indoor garden consisting of orchids.