Phalaenopsis propagation methods and cultivation techniques

Phalaenopsis is an elegant and beautiful flower with high ornamental value and certain medicinal value. It has high requirements for the growth environment and requires attention to the management of light, temperature, humidity and water. Let’s learn about the propagation methods and cultivation techniques of Phalaenopsis.

1. Breeding Methods

(I) Seed propagation

1. Natural seeding method

Sowing time: suitable in late spring and early summer, the temperature is kept at around 20℃, which is conducive to seed survival.

Prepare the substrate: Mix pine needles , peanut shells , bark, and leaf mold, mix with the planting material of the parent plant, and ensure that the soil is slightly acidic.

Prepare seeds: Remove seeds from pods and discard any empty seeds.

Sowing: Sow the seeds in the prepared soil, cover with a thin layer of soil, and keep it moist to facilitate germination.

2. Sterile seeding method

It is usually carried out in tissue culture laboratories and is suitable for large-scale reproduction. Wash the unopened ripe pods, soak them in ethanol solution, and then disinfect them with bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide. After taking out the seeds and disinfecting them, spread them flat on the surface of the culture medium and cultivate them scientifically.

(ii) Division propagation

When Phalaenopsis grows new pseudobulbs and new roots grow on the pseudobulbs, it can be divided. Use a sterilized sharp knife to cut the pseudobulb from the mother plant, leaving at least one growing point and making sure the new plant has 3-4 healthy roots. Disinfect the incision with lime powder or charcoal powder to prevent infection.

(III) Pedicel germination propagation

Cut the flower stalks: Cut off the flowering part of the flower stalks, and use a blade to carefully remove the bracts between the first and third nodes to expose the buds.

Apply hormones: Dip a cotton swab in germination agent or indolebutyric acid and apply it evenly on the buds.

Growing leaves and taking roots: Place the plant in a semi-shaded place, maintain the temperature at 25-28℃. Leaves will grow from the buds after 2-3 weeks, and aerial roots will grow after 3 months. Finally, cut the seedlings and plant them.

(IV) Stem cutting propagation

Choose healthy and strong branches, trim off the top branches and leave the stem part.

With proper watering to keep it moist, the plants will germinate after 1-2 weeks, and the emergence speed is fast.

(V) Tissue culture propagation

It is propagated through tissue culture and is mainly used for large-scale production and breeding of excellent varieties. Select young leaves, root tips, stem segments, etc. as explants, sterilize them and place them in culture medium for cultivation. Transplant them after the seedlings grow to a certain size.

2. Cultivation Technology

1. Lighting

Phalaenopsis is a semi-shade plant that prefers bright scattered light and avoids direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves will become dehydrated and withered. Can be placed in a shaded area or use a shade net.

2. Temperature

The suitable temperature for Phalaenopsis growth is 20-28℃, the temperature in winter should not be lower than 15℃, and the temperature in summer should not exceed 30℃.

3. Moisture and humidity

Phalaenopsis requires moderate moisture and high air humidity (60%-70%). When watering, allow excess water to flow out from the bottom of the pot to prevent water accumulation at the roots and root rot.

4. Fertilization

Fertilize once a month during the growing season, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and avoid excessive fertilization. Before flowering, you can add appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering.

5. Repotting

Phalaenopsis has a well-developed root system and generally needs to be repotted every 2-3 years. When repotting, choose sphagnum moss or special orchid planting material with good air permeability to avoid damaging the root system.

6. Pruning

Cut off dead leaves and flowers in time to reduce nutrient consumption and promote the growth of new buds. After flowering, the flower stalks can be cut off to avoid consuming too much nutrients.

In summary, flower lovers are reminded that when propagating, the pedicel germination method causes less damage to the mother plant, but takes a longer time, while the stem cutting propagation method is fast but will change the plant shape. When cultivating, water when the soil is dry and avoid waterlogging; fertilize frequently with thin fertilizers to avoid burning the roots.