Those who grow butterfly orchids may have noticed that a small side shoot suddenly appears next to the healthy plant. It looks fresh and new, but you might also wonder: will this affect the blooming? And if you want to separate it and grow it on its own, how should you go about it?
Will the side shoot affect blooming? It really depends on the situation. If the butterfly orchid is in bloom or just starting to send out a flower spike, a side shoot appearing at this time will likely take away some of the nutrients. You see, flowering is already energy-consuming, and the side shoot will compete for nutrients, which could result in smaller or fewer flowers, or even cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. However, if the flowers have already finished blooming and the plant is entering the growing phase, the appearance of a side shoot is not a problem. In fact, it means the plant is in good health and has the energy to reproduce. So, the key is to pay attention to the timing—side shoots around the blooming period should be watched, but those that appear after flowering can be left alone.
How to divide the side shoot? This isn't something you can just snap off. It requires the right timing and method, or you could end up damaging both the mother plant and the side shoot.
First, wait for the side shoot to grow strong. Don’t rush to move the small shoot; let it grow to at least 5 cm long, and preferably develop 3 or more air roots. These roots should look white, tender, and healthy for a higher success rate when dividing. If the side shoot hasn’t developed roots yet, it likely won’t survive when separated.
Next, choose the right time. It’s best to divide the plant in the spring or autumn, when the temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold (15-25°C is ideal). During these seasons, the orchid is more active, and the wounds heal quickly. Summer is too hot, which can lead to rot, and winter is too cold, risking frost damage—both are unsuitable for dividing.
Before dividing, prepare in advance. Don’t water the orchid for two days prior to dividing, so the soil is a little dry. This helps the roots stay flexible and less prone to breakage. Prepare a sharp knife and disinfect it with alcohol—don’t use a kitchen knife, as it might carry bacteria. Also, get some fresh growing medium, such as sphagnum moss or orchid bark. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it’s not breathable enough.
When dividing, gently knock the orchid out of the pot, being careful not to break the roots. Look for the spot where the side shoot is connected to the mother plant, and use the sterilized knife to gently cut through the connection. Try to take some of the side shoot’s air roots with it, and don’t damage too many roots of the mother plant. After cutting, apply some fungicide powder to the wound and leave the plant in a well-ventilated, shaded place for half a day to allow the wound to form a thin callus layer. This step helps prevent root rot.
Finally, potting. Place the side shoot into a smaller pot, wrapping the roots in sphagnum moss, gently pressing it down without squeezing, so the air roots have room to expand. Re-pot the mother plant into its original pot, but don’t fill it up too much with the growing medium—leave some space for new roots to grow. After potting, don’t water immediately. Wait a day and then lightly mist the growing medium to maintain moisture. Keep the plant in a spot with indirect light and avoid direct sunlight. After about two weeks, once you’re sure the plant has taken root, you can resume regular watering and fertilizing.
In fact, side shoots are a great opportunity for propagating butterfly orchids. As long as you get the timing and method right, you can keep the mother plant healthy and grow a new orchid as well. It’s a win-win! Just observe carefully, and don't panic when you see a side shoot. Follow the steps, and even beginners can handle it.
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