Growing and propagating orchids is a subject in itself, due to the relatively complicated reproductive mechanism of these plants. Sometimes, however, offshoots form on the flower stalks of a Phalaenopsis. Then you should definitely try the propagation.
The butterfly orchid can be easily propagated via Kindel
Can you propagate orchids yourself?
Growing an orchid from seed can take up to ten years and is very complicated. This type of propagation is not suitable for hobby breeders. But what you can try is growing from an offshoot or Kindel. These sometimes form spontaneously after flowering. Alternatively, you can try to draw some yourself.
Where can I get offshoots?
Offshoots usually grow by themselves on faded flower stalks, but unfortunately only rarely. If you want to encourage growth, cut off the stalk before it gets too dry. Use a very clean, preferably even sterile, knife for this.
Place the stalk on moist peat or sphagnum. This peat moss serves as a water reservoir during cultivation and should always remain moist, but not too wet. To keep the humidity constant, you can use clear film to cover it.
How should I treat Kindel?
If a child grows by itself on the faded stalk of your Phalaenopsis, then leave it on the mother plant until it has formed small roots. For better water supply and to encourage rooting, wrap a little sphagnum around the stem, just below the bud. Always keep the sphagnum slightly moist.
When the stalk becomes dry, cut it just below and above the child. Then place the little plant in relatively fine orchid substrate. (8.00€) The coarser the substrate, the more difficult it is for the very tiny roots to grow. To thrive, the young plant needs a consistently high level of humidity and a bright, draught-free location.
The essentials in brief:
- Sowing only possible for professionals
- spontaneous child formation
- Cultivation of offshoots possible
- Young plants very sensitive
tips
Instead of watering, it is better to spray the plant regularly.