TheNaturePlanet

Phalaenopsis is a popular ornamental plant. When it comes to the propagation of Phalaenopsis, cuttings of flower spikes is undoubtedly a simple and efficient method. But can the flower spikes of Phalaenopsis really be propagated by cuttings? And how to carry out the cuttings to improve the survival rate?
Can the flower spikes of Phalaenopsis be propagated by cuttings? The answer is yes. Under appropriate conditions, the flower spikes of Phalaenopsis can definitely be used to propagate new plants through cuttings. This is not only an economical propagation method but also allows enthusiasts to easily enjoy the fun of propagating Phalaenopsis at home.
How to improve the survival rate of cuttings of Phalaenopsis flower spikes?
Material Selection and Pruning
• Material Selection: Select healthy flower spikes without pests and diseases and with nodes as the cutting materials. Make sure there are clear bud eyes on the nodes, which are the starting points for the germination of new life in the future. Too tender flower spikes are prone to rotting, so choosing slightly older flower spikes is more conducive to growth.
• Pruning: Cut off the flower spike from the base or an appropriate node, and cut it into sections. Each section should retain the bud eyes. The scissors used for pruning should be sharp and ensure they are disinfected to prevent infection.
Wound Treatment and Soaking in Rooting Solution
• Wound Treatment: Place the cut flower spikes in a cool and ventilated place to dry the wounds, or smear a little rooting powder to promote rooting. Pay attention to avoiding direct sunlight to prevent wound infection.
• Soaking in Rooting Solution: Soak the treated flower spikes in the rooting solution for about 5 minutes. The rooting solution can help the flower spikes take root quickly and improve the survival rate. If there is no rooting solution, you can also soak them in a potassium indole - 3 - butyrate solution for about 5 hours until tiny bubbles appear on the branches.
Preparing the Cutting Medium and Container
• Medium Selection: Select suitable cutting media, such as perlite, vermiculite, special orchid soil, or sphagnum moss. These media have good air permeability and water - retention properties, which are beneficial for the rooting of flower spikes.
• Container Preparation: Choose containers with good air permeability, such as plastic cups, flower pots, etc. Lay a layer of medium at the bottom of the container, leaving appropriate space for cutting.
Cutting and Maintenance
• Cutting Method: Gently insert the treated flower spikes into the medium, ensuring that the nodes are buried in the soil, but not too deep. The bud eyes should be placed upward to facilitate the germination of new buds.
• Humidity and Temperature Control: Maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature is the key to the rooting of flower spikes. The humidity should be kept between 50% - 80%, and the temperature should be controlled at 25℃ - 28℃ during the day and 18℃ - 20℃ at night. You can cover the cutting container with a plastic bag, tie it tightly, and leave a few small holes for ventilation.
• Avoid Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing during the cutting process. Excessive or premature fertilization will cause the flower spikes to rot. Wait until the flower spikes take root and new leaves grow, and then fertilize appropriately to provide them with sufficient nutritional support.
Be Patient and Observe
• Be Patient: The growth of leaf buds is slow, and patience is required. Don't be impatient. Waiting for the flowers to bloom quietly is the biggest surprise. Observe the changes of the flower spikes regularly to ensure they are in a good growth state.
• Deal with Abnormal Situations in a Timely Manner: If you find that the flower spikes are rotting, infected, etc., take immediate measures to deal with them, such as cutting off the rotten parts and disinfecting again.
Although the cutting propagation of Phalaenopsis flower spikes may seem complicated, as long as you master the correct methods and techniques, you can easily improve the survival rate. Through careful operations in a series of steps such as material selection, pruning, wound treatment, soaking in rooting solution, preparing the medium and container, cutting and maintenance, you can also successfully propagate beautiful Phalaenopsis plants at home.