TheNaturePlanet

When the phalaenopsis at home grows luxuriantly, dividing the plant can not only increase the number of plants, but also promote the healthy growth of the mother plant and the new plants. However, the process of dividing the plant requires the mastery of scientific methods. Especially, the control of the number of roots and leaves is directly related to the success rate of plant division.

The division of phalaenopsis should be carried out during the period when the plant is growing vigorously and will not be seriously affected by division. Generally speaking, after the flowering period, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, and this is the most suitable time for division. Usually from March to May in spring, the environmental temperature is stable between 18℃ and 25℃, and the air humidity is also moderate, which is conducive to the recovery of phalaenopsis after division and the growth of new roots. Avoid dividing the plant during the flowering period, in low - temperature winter or high - temperature summer, otherwise it will increase the risk of damage to the plant and reduce the survival rate of division.

Before dividing the plant, the required tools and materials should be prepared, including sharp and disinfected scissors or blades, clean sphagnum moss, flowerpots of appropriate size, carbendazim solution, etc. Disinfecting the tools is to prevent the plant from being infected by germs during the division process. Sphagnum moss has good water - retention and air - permeability, and it is a commonly used cultivation substrate for phalaenopsis. The size of the flowerpot should be selected according to the size of the plant after division to ensure that the roots have enough space to grow. Carbendazim solution is used to disinfect the wounds of the plant.

The specific operation steps for dividing the plant are as follows:

Removing the plant: Carefully take out the whole phalaenopsis plant from the original flowerpot. Try to avoid damaging the roots during the operation. You can gently tap the outer wall of the flowerpot to loosen the soil, and then hold the base of the plant and slowly pull it out. If the roots are tightly adhered to the flowerpot, you can use a small shovel to gently pry along the edge of the flowerpot.
Cleaning and observing: After taking out the plant, remove the old sphagnum moss or other substrates attached to the roots, and rinse them with clean water to clearly observe the root system and plant structure. Carefully check the plant to find the lateral buds with aerial roots and strong growth. These lateral buds are the ideal objects for division.
Dividing the plant: Use the disinfected scissors or blade to separate the lateral buds with aerial roots from the mother plant. When dividing, make sure that each divided plant has independent roots and a certain number of leaves to ensure its ability to grow independently. The operation should be quick and accurate to minimize the damage to the roots and leaves.
Wound treatment: After the division is completed, apply carbendazim powder to the wound of the plant, or soak it in the diluted carbendazim solution for 10 - 15 minutes for disinfection to prevent the wound from being infected by germs. Then place the divided plant in a cool and ventilated place to dry, and plant it after the wound heals slightly.
Potting: Put a layer of sphagnum moss at the bottom of the flowerpot, place the divided plant in the center of the flowerpot, carefully fill in the sphagnum moss, and gently compact it to fix the plant. Be careful not to press too tightly to avoid affecting the root respiration. The planting depth should be just enough to cover the roots. Avoid burying the base of the leaves to prevent the leaves from rotting.

Requirements for the number of roots and leaves:

Number of roots: In order to ensure that the phalaenopsis after division can absorb water and nutrients smoothly, each divided plant should have at least 3 - 5 healthy aerial roots. Aerial roots are important absorbing organs of phalaenopsis. A sufficient number of aerial roots can ensure the stable growth of the plant in the new environment. If the number of roots is too small, the plant's absorption capacity is weak, and it is difficult to maintain its own growth, which may easily lead to slow growth or even death. However, the number of roots should not be too many. Excessive roots are difficult to handle when planting, and they may be intertwined with each other, affecting growth.
Number of leaves: The divided phalaenopsis should retain at least 2 - 3 healthy leaves. Leaves are the main parts for photosynthesis, which can manufacture and accumulate nutrients for the plant. A sufficient number of leaves can ensure that the plant has sufficient photosynthetic products to maintain normal growth and metabolism. If the number of leaves is too small, the nutrients produced by photosynthesis are insufficient, the growth of the plant will be inhibited, and the germination of new leaves and flower bud differentiation will also be affected.

The phalaenopsis after division needs careful maintenance. Place it in a place with bright light but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the environmental temperature between 18℃ and 28℃ and the air humidity at about 60% - 80%. In the first 1 - 2 weeks after planting, do not water frequently. Water appropriately after the surface of the sphagnum moss is dry to avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. You can increase the air humidity by spraying, but be careful not to let the water droplets stay on the leaves for a long time. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every 1 - 2 weeks to provide nutrients for the growth of the plant and promote the growth of new roots and leaves.

Mastering the correct method of dividing phalaenopsis and the requirements for the number of roots and leaves can greatly improve the success rate of division and enable you to obtain more beautiful phalaenopsis plants. In the process of division, as long as you operate patiently and carefully and do a good job in the subsequent maintenance and management, you can witness the healthy growth of the new phalaenopsis.