TheNaturePlanet

During the process of cultivating phalaenopsis, it is a common phenomenon for the plant to produce side shoots. So, how should the side shoots of phalaenopsis be separated? Is it possible not to divide the side shoots?

When the side shoots of phalaenopsis grow to a certain extent and possess the ability to grow independently, the division operation can be carried out. Firstly, it is necessary to choose an appropriate time. Generally, spring or autumn is more suitable for division, as the temperature and humidity conditions are relatively stable during these periods, which is conducive to the side shoots quickly adapting to the new environment and resuming growth after division.

Before division, tools and materials should be prepared in advance, such as clean and sharp scissors, carbendazim solution, new flowerpots with good air permeability, and planting materials like sphagnum moss and bark that are suitable for the growth of phalaenopsis.

In the specific operation, first carefully remove the entire phalaenopsis plant from the original flowerpot, trying to avoid damaging the roots. Gently shake off the old planting material attached to the roots, and then carefully observe the connection part between the side shoot and the mother plant. Use disinfected scissors to cut at the rhizome where the side shoot is connected to the mother plant, ensuring that each side shoot has a certain number of healthy roots. This can improve the survival rate of the side shoots after division. After the division is completed, soak the wound parts of the side shoots and the mother plant in the carbendazim solution for 10 - 15 minutes to prevent the wounds from being infected by germs. Finally, plant the disinfected side shoots into the prepared new flowerpots, fill in the planting materials, water them thoroughly, and place them in a ventilated and semi - shaded environment for maintenance.

It is also feasible not to divide the side shoots of phalaenopsis. If division is not carried out, the side shoots will continue to grow attached to the mother plant. To a certain extent, the side shoots will compete with the mother plant for nutrients, water, and light. However, from another perspective, there are also some advantages to not dividing. For example, it maintains the integrity of the plant, making the entire phalaenopsis plant look more full and lush, forming a unique visual effect in terms of appreciation. Some flower enthusiasts like to let the side shoots and the mother plant grow together to create a spectacular scene of group growth, with an increase in the number of flowers, making it more gorgeous when they bloom.

Nevertheless, there are also some disadvantages to not carrying out division for a long time. As the side shoots continue to grow, the plant will become more and more crowded, and the internal ventilation and light transmission will become worse, which is prone to causing diseases and pests. Moreover, too many side shoots will consume a large amount of the mother plant's nutrients, affecting the growth of both the mother plant and the side shoots. The plant grows slowly, the flowering quality declines, the flowers become smaller and the color fades, and there may even be a situation where no flowers bloom.

Whether to divide the side shoots of phalaenopsis or not can be decided by flower enthusiasts according to their own needs and maintenance conditions. If the pursuit is the individual healthy growth of the plant and high - quality flowering, and the hope is to cultivate more independent phalaenopsis plants, then timely division is a better choice. Through division, not only can new plants be propagated, but also the mother plant can be reasonably "relieved of burden" to promote its better growth. However, if more emphasis is placed on the aesthetic feeling of the group growth of the plant, and there is confidence in doing a good job in daily maintenance and management to ensure that the plant has sufficient nutrient supply and a good growth environment and prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, then it can be chosen not to divide the side shoots and let them grow together with the mother plant to enjoy a unique viewing experience.

In conclusion, understanding the division method of the side shoots of phalaenopsis and the advantages and disadvantages of not dividing is helpful for flower enthusiasts to make more appropriate decisions during the maintenance process, allowing the phalaenopsis to bloom in the most beautiful posture under careful care.