How do orchids reproduce in the wild?

1. How to propagate orchids in the wild

Orchids in the wild mainly reproduce by germination of seeds. After the mother plant blooms and is naturally pollinated, it produces seed pods, which will naturally crack when they mature. A seed pod contains many seeds, is small and light, and can float in the wind. Therefore, the orchid seeds will be blown to other places by the wind, take root and grow into dragon root seedlings, leaves and plants. Before the orchid seedlings growing in the wild are formed, they first grow roots in the soil, then slowly grow small leaves, and then gradually expand the pseudobulb until they grow into a seedling with a very short, tortuous and fragile root system underneath, which is called a dragon root seedling.

Orchid seeds float in the wind. If they fall in suitable places for growth, such as crevices between rocks in the mountains, under bushes, in mountain streams and canyons, they will take root, sprout, grow leaves and become plants. After two to three years, when the plants bloom, they can be naturally pollinated, grow seed pods, and continue to reproduce.

2. How to propagate domestic orchids

Domestic orchids are generally propagated by division. Because the conditions are harsh and the survival rate is low when sowing seeds, it is not suitable for home breeding. Orchid division propagation can be carried out all year round, but in order to ensure the survival rate, division is often carried out at temperatures between 12℃-30℃. Dig out orchids that have been cultivated for about three years and have a well-developed root system, wash away the root matrix, cut off rotten and broken roots, and then divide the plants and plant them in pots.