Phalaenopsis is the most unpretentious species of orchids. If the plant is properly cared for , providing it with optimal conditions and watering , then it will be blooming at any time of the year. By the way, two or three flowering a year for phalaenopsis is a reality. That is why the florists so fond of this orchid. If you, too, are fond of phalaenopsis, then, most likely, they would like to decorate all the windowsill with these plants. However, the price of an orchid "bites". How to be? You can do the reproduction of phalaenopsis orchids at home, having only one plant.
To begin with, we note that reproduction is possible in two ways: sexual (from seeds) and asexual (using parts of the mother plant). By choosing the first method, you will receive plants that are not identical to the parent. As a result of breeding asexually, your orchids will be copies of the mother plant.
Reproduction by seeds
We note immediately that the multiplication of phalaenopsis by seeds is a complex task. This is due to the lack of nutrient tissues in the seeds. In nature, they germinate due to mycorrhizal fungi and root sponges, supplying seeds with nutrients. Having decided on the reproduction of orchids by seeds, prepare a nutritious artificial environment, where the seeds will germinate for 3-9 months. Note that in such an environment molds grow rapidly, so the substance and capacity must be sterile. Three years after germination the seed will turn into a young plant. It can already be transplanted into a pot. However, before the first flowering will be from two to four years, and the orchid "Venus shoe" will please the flowers only after 10 years!
Vegetative reproduction
Reproduction of phalaenopsis by cuttings (babies) or peduncles is the most optimal variant. The essence of this method is to divide the maternal stem in various variations. Phalenopsis can be propagated by dividing the stem with a transverse incision along its axis or a combination of cuts across and along the stem.
It is worth noting that you can propagate phalaenopsis both during the growth period and during active flowering. However, the optimal time is May-June.
The technology of vegetative propagation is conditionally divided into ten stages. The first is the need to remove the bound lower leaves, the second - in the processing of sections with charcoal or fungicides. Then the plant needs to provide the optimum temperature, lighting and humidity. In the fourth stage, when new roots grow over the leafless section, a new incision must be made below them. And again, cut the sections with coal or fungicides. Then the stalk should be planted in the soil substrate and not watered for two days, so that the sections are well dried. At the eighth stage, we again provide phalaenopsis optimal conditions. After a few months, the stump will rejoice again with new sprouts, and six months later, when the plant takes root, you will see a young flower spike.
Important nuances
The maternal phalaenopsis that you plan to use for the reproduction of an orchid should not have any signs of disease. Noticing any specks on the leaves, their shrinkage, discoloration and other unpleasant symptoms, first treat phalaenopsis. The disease, which the adult plant is not too worried about, "children" can immediately destroy.
Remember, any, even the most, seemingly insignificant deviation from the optimal conditions of keeping cuttings can reduce all your efforts to multiply the demanding pet to zero.