The feeling of happiness that you get as an ochid keeper when you suddenly notice that not just a new flower shoot is growing from the old stem, but a completely new baby orchid, is wonderful, isn't it? What an interesting way to propagate an orchid! So now it's growing comfortably there, but what then? How do you properly proceed if you want to separate the so-called Kindel from the mother plant and then plant it in your own pot? Don't worry, we'll summarize everything you need to know about growing a healthy new plant from the orchid cuttings on the stem. You can plant cuttings from orchids as follows:
When can you cut offshoots from orchids?
You shouldn't be in a hurry when you notice the new plant. Initially it depends on the mother plant and is supplied with moisture and nutrients because it does not yet have its own roots. This is also the keyword when it comes to when the right time is to separate before planting cuttings from your orchids.
First the first leaves appear. They are one of the requirements. But your own roots are just as important so that the new orchid can take care of itself. So wait until a few more roots have grown (and by “wait” we really mean wait: it can take up to a year until the child is mature enough). In theory, one would be enough. But if you wait, you will still have a few “reserves” in case a root is damaged during cutting and planting.
What is important is not only a minimum number of roots, but also a minimum length. Ultimately, they should be large enough to cover the plant's nutrient needs. As soon as they have grown three to five centimeters long, the big day has come and you can cut off the orchid offshoot.
How to cut off the childel
You need a sharp and clean knife. You should also definitely disinfect it so as not to accidentallydiseases on the mother plantand to transfer the child. Place the knife on the stem of the mother plant so that when the child is separated, an approximately 3 centimeter long piece of the mother shoot remains on the child. Be careful not to accidentally break the roots. Then you can plant the orchid offshoot.
Planting orchid cuttings – How to do it right
You need a suitable pot and of coursefresh substrate. A diameter of six to eight centimeters is sufficient to provide the plant with enough space for the next few years. Since it does not yet have long roots that would give it sufficient support in the loose orchid substrate, it is better to use a finer-grained substrate for a plant of this size and root length and quantity.
Plant orchid offshoots correctly:
Plant the orchid so that at least part of the roots are in the substrate. As soon as it has settled in, it should develop the first new roots, which you can then let run free.
A notice:Before you plant the orchid offshoot, you can also immerse the small plant in lukewarm water for a few minutes so that the roots can absorb themselves. This makes them more flexible and less brittle, reducing the risk of injured roots when potting. You can also do this with your large orchids,when you repot them.
Plant orchid cuttings and care for them properly
Where and how should you grow the orchid offshoot from now on? You don't need to water for the time being, especially if you followed the tip and dipped the plant before planting. Instead, give her about 2 weeks to get used to the new environment. But what should this new environment look like?
Definitely avoid a sunny location or, better yet, a location in direct sun. However, it can and should be bright. Also make sure it is not too cold. After the first two weeks, when you can begin regular watering, you should always water sparingly. The sensitive roots could quickly rot.
Bonus tip: If the kindel doesn't grow roots
Have you been waiting for several months now, but for some reason the roots of the mini orchid are not developing? You can stimulate the process with a simple trick: buy moss from the flower shop and wrap a piece of it around the small orchid - where the roots should actually grow out. You can use floral wire to tie it up. Now moisten the moss regularly. It's best to spray it every day.
Find out how to cultivate Phalaenopsis without soilin this article.
