Colorful, varied and easy to grow, orchids are very popular flowering plants. They add a tropical touch to our interiors, and brighten them with their bright colors. Did you know that you can propagate your plant from a leaf? We tell you more in this article.
Do you like orchids and want to have an abundance of them? Here is a method to multiply your plant from a leaf. This is called leaf cutting. If you have never heard of this plant reproduction technique, we invite you to continue reading!
Can you cut an orchid leaf?
To propagate your plants, you can use leaf cuttings . This technique generally consists of taking a leaf from the mother plant and planting it in order to obtain a plant identical to the initial plant… Therefore, the plant fragments that are taken to multiply a plant are what are called cuttings. However, this propagation method is not suitable for all plants. It works for some species such as succulents, but for orchids it is different… It involves taking a piece of stem attached to the leaf; It is the only part of the plant that contains cells to promote new growth.
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How to cut an orchid from a leaf?
Before embarking on cuttings of your orchid, keep in mind that the multiplication of this plant, from a leaf, is a long and complex process. The roots can take up to a year or more to grow! To propagate your orchid, follow these steps.
- Take a healthy, adult orchid and take a leaf with a small piece of stem. Use scissors or a sharp, sterilized pruner;
- Allow your cut to air dry for 8 hours;
- Take a rooting product and apply a small amount to your cutting;
- Dilute the activated charcoal in a container with water. Activated charcoal is an effective antibacterial to promote the development of good bacteria helpful to your plant’s root system. Antifungal, it also helps fight cryptogamic and fungal diseases;
- Immerse the leaf and the stem piece in the solution;
- Then you will only have to plant your cutting in the ground. Before proceeding with this step, first check if the soil does not contain traces of mold or rotten plant parts.
The rooting agent, a product for the successful multiplication of orchids
The use of a rooting product or agent is not arbitrary. This is what makes your cuttings successful. We explain to you.
The rooting product is a stimulator that helps the cuttings develop better and form a strong and healthy root system. If you don’t like chemical products, you can prepare your own natural and ecological rooting agent.
To do this, we suggest using lentils. These legumes facilitate root growth because they contain plant hormones such as auxin. This is what ensures healthy plant growth. To make your own rooting product, follow these steps offered by Henri Morgan, agronomist and science writer for TheGardenStyle.com , a site specializing in gardening and agriculture.
- Soak 100 grams of lentils in a liter of water;
- Cover the container and set aside for a few hours;
- Stir the mixture, then collect the steeping water in another container and store in the refrigerator;
- Cover the lentils with a towel and store in a dark place overnight;
- The next day, soak the lentils again in the reserved water for a few minutes;
- Strain the water again, set it aside and cover the lentils so they continue to sprout. The purpose of this operation is to moisten the lenses daily;
- Repeat this action every day until the lentils finally germinate;
- When the lentils have sprouted, put them in a blender and add the water you have stored in the refrigerator;
- Blend until you get a paste, then use a sieve to strain the paste to recover the liquid;
- Transfer the liquid to a bottle and add 10 cups of water to dilute the concentrate you have obtained;
- All you have to do is dip your cuttings in this mixture before planting them. Please note that this solution can be stored for up to 15 days in the refrigerator.
Keikis or suckers to multiply phalaenopsis orchids and obtain new shoots
Some varieties of orchids such as phalaenopsis and dendrobium develop keikis. It is a Hawaiian word that means “baby.” These shoots develop on wilted flower stems. Specifically, keikis are small bundles of leaves that form on the stem, and under which aerial roots develop. The keiki is therefore similar to a tiny copy of the mother plant, growing on its stems or its base. If your plant has started to develop keikis, here’s what you can do, according to houseplant site House Plant:
- Leave the keiki alone until it grows a few more leaves and a healthy root system;
- When your keiki is ready, separate it from the mother plant with a clean knife or scissors;
- You will only have to plant your keiki in a pot, using the same substrate that you have chosen for the mother plant;
- Since your growing baby already has a root system, the keiki will continue to grow normally. Simply water your pot and place it near a heat source.
Why put baking soda on orchids?
The benefits of baking soda are no longer a secret! This multipurpose product is used to maintain the house, but also to obtain beautiful vegetation. In fact, baking soda is a natural fertilizer that will do the most good for your orchids. All you have to do is dilute a tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of water at room temperature. Use this solution to water the base of your plant and admire the results! This natural fertilizer will stimulate the flowering of your plant to obtain beautiful colored flowers.
Be careful, avoid putting baking soda directly on the orchids or on the substrate. It can attack your plant, due to the salt it contains.
Read also: How to use cinnamon to protect indoor plants from insects and mold?
Bonus tip: As you can imagine, baking soda is not the only natural fertilizer you can use for your orchids. You can also use:
- coffee grains;
- banana peels;
- eggshells
- cooking water from starchy foods such as potatoes or pasta.
By taking cuttings from your orchid, you can multiply your plant to have them in abundance… thus, you will not lack orchid ideas!
Read also: How to maintain orchids in September to prepare them for winter? 4 tips from florists