Moon Phase Planting of Cuttings
It is important to remember that almost all types of orchids should be planted when the moon is in the 2nd Quarter (i.e. waxing) and in one of the following Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra, Taurus.
Orchids are most commonly grown as epiphyte or saprophytic plants. In temperate zones, they grow as epiphyte and in tropical/sub-tropical regions as saprophytic. Their natural habitat includes practically all of the world, ranging from the tropics to the desert.
Cuttings should be taken early in the orchid’s growing season, before the new growth hardens or begins. Softwood cuttings are taken from the new growth under the evaporated droplets of moisture on the orchid’s leaves. This moisture is called ” sap” and is considered the “food” for the orchid.
Most orchids cannot be propagated by seed. Also, successfully maturing orchids requires planting in the proper media. There are, however, exceptions to this general rule.
Orchids have develop ways to resist pests and treat them directly with their own chemicals. Some of these chemicals even work against the bugs that the orchid is itself repelling. These so-called natural chemicals are derived from the orchid’s own roots, which have in the past been used as medicine.
It is important for you to do research on how to best propagate your particular orchid species. Some orchids will readily multiply, either when grown in water or in soil. There are also orchids that will not grow new shoots for the first two years. It is important to make sure that you are performing these simple steps correctly.
It’s also important to establish a clear-cut pattern for the cuttings. An evenly spaced pattern is best. An uneven spread could indicate that the cutting hasn’t been laid correctly.
When making your cuttings, make a small opening in the stem, and insert the rooted cutting a little deeper than usual. Then pack some sphagnum moss around the stem to contain the roots, and make a cut in the moss about an inch or two from the bottom of the cutting.
Step 4: Propagation
The last step in the propagation process is to place the rooted cuttings in some medium. Perlite, peat moss, coarse sand, or charcoal will prove to be a good medium for starting your orchid propagation. These mediums will help aid in the rotted plant’s development.
Now, gather more orchid cuttings by making parallel cuts in the medium that you have prepared. Transfer all of the cuttings while being careful not to damage the roots. Place them in a clear plastic bag to prevent the cuttings from dehydrating. Seal the bags and Roots in their own medium between paper and plastic.
The length of time that it will take for roots to grow depends on many factors. For the species with persistent roots that do not fit in standard pots, we suggest you create a new medium from old material.
After 12-18 months, the new plant should be ready to be moved into a larger container. Before you place the completed plant into the new container, be sure to water it with specially formulated orchid nutrient solution. Resume normal watering and feeding seven days after the repotting.
This is a useful technique for propagating orchids at home. It is relatively inexpensive, which makes it one of the best plantlets you can get. Place a Sphagnum moss ball inside the pot, and general purpose potting mixture will make a good bed for the orchid.
Sphagnum moss
Parsley
Glazed ceramic pots
Ceramic pots
Stone pots
Don’t be afraid to make a change every year, try something different next year.
