TheNaturePlanet

During the process of caring for phalaenopsis, when side shoots are found growing on the plant, it means there is an opportunity to propagate new plants. However, it is crucial to master the correct methods of separating the shoots and transplanting them, as this is related to whether the new plants can grow healthily.
When the side shoots of the phalaenopsis grow to a height of 2 - 3 centimeters and have at least one mature leaf, it is a good time for transplantation. At this time, the side shoots already have a certain ability to survive independently, and they are more likely to survive after transplantation. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the health condition of the side shoots. Be sure to select strong and healthy side shoots without diseases and pests for transplantation. Otherwise, weak or diseased side shoots may have difficulty growing smoothly after transplantation, and may even affect the health of the mother plant.
In addition to the growth indicators of the side shoots themselves, the transplantation time is also crucial. Spring or autumn is the most suitable time. The temperature in these two seasons is appropriate, neither too hot nor too cold, which is conducive to the side shoots taking root and sprouting quickly after transplantation and adapting to the new environment. In summer, the high temperature and humidity make the reproduction of bacteria active, and the wounds are prone to infection and rot after transplantation. In winter, the low temperature makes the growth of phalaenopsis slow, and the side shoots take a long time to recover after transplantation, and the survival rate will also be affected.
How to Separate the Side Shoots of Phalaenopsis
Preparatory Work: Before separating the side shoots, prepare a sharp and disinfected pair of scissors or a blade to avoid unnecessary damage to the side shoots and the mother plant during the cutting process and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. You can also prepare some carbendazim powder or tobacco ash to apply to the wounds to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
Separation Operation: Use the disinfected scissors or blade to carefully cut at the junction of the side shoot and the mother plant. Be gentle and precise in your movements, and try to preserve the roots of the side shoot, because the roots are important organs for the side shoot to absorb nutrients and water. Intact roots can greatly improve the survival rate of the side shoot after transplantation. If the side shoot has already grown several aerial roots, in order to avoid damaging the aerial roots, you can also carefully break off the young plant by hand. However, this method will result in a relatively rough wound surface. Therefore, after the operation, be sure to disinfect the wounds of both the young plant and the mother plant.
Transplantation and Potting: The separated side shoot needs to be transplanted into a new potting container as soon as possible. First, lay a layer of special orchid potting soil at the bottom of the pot. Plant the side shoot in the soil and gently press it down to make the side shoot come into full contact with the soil and ensure that it can stand firmly. Water it once to fix the roots, and the amount of water should be enough to moisten the soil but not cause waterlogging. After watering, place the newly planted side shoot in a cool and ventilated place to avoid direct sunlight, and let it adapt to the new growth environment in a relatively stable environment.
In the first few days after the division, temporarily spray water only on the top of the aerial roots of the young plant to avoid getting water on the wound and prevent infection. After about a week, when the wound is completely healed, spray water on the base of the young plant to promote the growth of more aerial roots. When the side shoot has grown several aerial roots, it can be cared for normally.
Mastering the techniques of separating and transplanting the side shoots of phalaenopsis not only allows us to propagate new plants but also enables us to experience the joy and sense of accomplishment of flower cultivation. As long as we operate according to the correct methods and steps and take good care of them patiently, these side shoots can grow into beautiful phalaenopsis plants.