A lovingly tended Dendrobium has enough vitality to produce daughter plants on its own. These offshoots have all the wonderful qualities of their mother plant. It just takes a little patience and gardening attention to grow a new orchid from it. That's how it works.
Dendrobium offshoots need a lot of care
How do I recognize a Dendrobium scion?
Small aerial roots and leaves sometimes sprout in the upper part of older, faded bulbs. With this special strategy, the Dendrobium ensures its continued existence, because these are daughter plants in the early growth stage. Therefore, do not cut off yellowing bulbs prematurely, so as not to deprive yourself of the chance of having a baby.
Cut and care for offshoots - how to do it right
If you have discovered an offshoot on your Dendrobium, do not separate it from the mother plant at first. Continue the care program undiminished and spray the child regularly with soft, room-warm water. Do not cut off the offshoot until it has at least 2 leaves of its own and several aerial roots. How to proceed:
- Cut off the offshoot just below its aerial roots
- Fill a transparent growing pot with a mix of coconut fibers and expanded clay
- Place the kindel, including the remaining bulb piece, in the substrate
- Pour and spray with soft water
Since the few aerial roots are not sufficient to supply the daughter plant, high humidity is important for further growth. Place the nursery pot in a propagator or under a transparent hood. An airtight plastic bag also creates the necessary warm, humid microclimate. Air the cover daily to prevent mold from forming.
If the offshoot drives out diligently after a few weeks, the hood has done its job. Water regularly in the partially shaded, warm window seat. Spray the top and bottom of the leaves with lime-free water every 2 days. When the young dendrobium has fully rooted its pot, transplant your youngster into normal pine bark substrate and start feeding it.
tips
Dendrobium species with numerous bulbs, such as the bamboo orchid (Dendrobium Berry), can be easily propagated by division. When you repot the royal flower, this is the best opportunity. Pull the root network apart with both hands and you are holding two Dendrobium orchids in your hands.