Orchid Cuttings: [Grafts, Time, Rooting and Planting]

Orchids are among the most beautiful ornamental plants that exist and they owe this distinction to the flowers they produce.

It is a species with the ability to work its reproduction sexually (seeds) as well as asexually.

In the asexual field, the use of cuttings is one of the methods that offers the best results due to the ease of applying it.In this article we will work on all the necessary data to achieve success in the process.

With what other plants or trees can we graft the orchid cutting?

Orchid grafts are rare with other types of plants because their genetics prevent them from achieving a good bond.However , it is possible to work with the same species , giving the opportunity to create more resistant plants or with flowers of different characteristics.

What is the best time to plant orchid cuttings?

The best time to work orchids is during the summer, just after flowering has finished.This will allow cuttings to be obtained from the recommended pruning and will avoid causing damage to the health of the mother plant in general.

How to get orchid cuttings to root correctly?

After having the cuttings available for planting, the process will go through different phases of work.

Phase 1

The cuttings already selected will be worked on a tray that will be filled with moss. It must be low in height.

This moss will need to be moistened to provide a better environment for the cuttings, so it is worth watering it before placing them there.

After they are distributed in the tray, it will need to maintain a high degree of humidity, so it is recommended to cover it with plastic.In this first phase, the cuttings will be kept in a space with a temperature of 15º C and without receiving direct sunlight.

Phase 2

After 3 or 4 weeks of phase 1 have passed , it will be time to subject the cuttings to a higher temperature.It is advisable to place it around 30º C, taking care that they are maintained with a high level of humidity, so they must be watered regularly.

Phase 3

When the cuttings are already developed and have been able to generate their own roots, the stem of the new seedling must be removed .

These seedlings will be taken to plant in pots, resting on a loose substrate that drains water well.

Before burying them, it is essential that the substrate is well moistened and that a hole with the appropriate dimensions be opened to place the seedling without hurting it.Perhaps at first it is necessary to place a stick on it as a support so that it stands upright.

Already in this phase, the orchids will need sunlight but indirectly , as well as enjoying a soft and constant temperature.

How should we take the orchid cuttings to plant them?

The correct choice of the cutting will be decisive to achieve the results that are planned.

The idea is to start from a plant with exceptional characteristics. This means that it is in good health and has produced an acceptable bloom .

The cuttings will be taken taking care that they have a length of 7 centimeters and that it is possible to cut them as close to the base as possible.

It is important to use a sharp tool to advance this process, so as not to cause problems to the structure of the mother plant. To cause less damage to the mother plant, what is usually applied is a cut of a stem of at least 30 centimeters and then apply subdivisions.

What must be foreseen is that these subdivisions have at least one bud each to increase the chances of success.

How long should we leave orchid cuttings in water?

Orchid cuttings will not be worked in water , but in humid environments based on the substrate as we have explained in the previous sections.

Is it convenient to use fertilizer or compost?

Specialists in working with orchids recommend the use of liquid nitrogen -based fertilizers.

These can be applied fortnightly with the irrigation water to help cuttings start early root and leaf production.

Afterwards, the fertilizations must be maintained as part of the care of the species because they need it for a good flowering.

How long does it usually take for an orchid cutting to come out?

Orchid cuttings can take 2-3 months to have enough roots to allow them to develop into a plant normally.

It is important that at the time of transplanting, the humidity environment that it has had throughout the process is preserved for greater effectiveness.

In addition, it is essential that they are in an environment with a stable temperature and that there is some level of environmental humidity.With these cares, plus the use of fertilizers at the appropriate time, the chances of success greatly increase and soon you will be enjoying beautiful blooms.

If you want to go deeper, you can see: Plant orchids in your garden.