How to get an orchid to produce roots?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I guarantee I'm not being condescending when I say this...

You just gotta be more careful. It's just that simple in a case like yours.

Stop breaking roots off. I don't know how else to go about it.

Figure it out. You know yourself physically and you know your surroundings, work with it.

Sometimes you just have to not only admit your mistakes, but you must be able to sit comfortably with them and make adjustments without beating yourself up.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you find it difficult to perform certain tasks with your hands, use precision tools.

Here are a few:

forceps (do your research, there are different kinds of forceps, I recommend the ones for working with delicate tissue - they have teeth)

toothpicks

replate forks (doesn't necessarily have to be used for micropropagation )

Scissors used for the operating room.

pins and needles

popsicle sticks

jeweler's loupes

magnifying glasses

You also risk less damage to the roots if you wet them thoroughly first.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Here's another tip:

When you repot, and the roots are stuck to the sides of the pot - instead of ripping them out of the pot:

1. Wet the roots thoroughly.

2. Gently pry the roots loose with a toothpick, popsicle stick, or replate fork.

3. For the ones that are stubborn, squeeze the pot and continue to do so in a circular pattern repeatedly.

4. Wet the roots as many times as necessary until you get the desired results.

5. If the roots are going through the slots or holes in the pot, just destroy the pot.

Cut it open with a retractable blade or small box cutter.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Oh yeah, if you're too tired to repot, just wait until the day of the earliest convenience where you have the energy to do it.

If you can't see 'cause it's dark, use more lights or brighter lights.

If you need glasses, contacts, or laser surgery, do it.

If you have to use a jeweler's loupe, a magnifying glass, or a dissecting microscope, use them!

(imitating stereotypical Chinese accent - I'm Chinese btw) One more thing!

Control what you have control over, stop trying to contol things you have no control over.


Look, I know what I just told you isn't very sexy, but at least you'll have an orchid for many years to come.

Hope this was more helpful than telling you some snappy tricks to grow more roots on your orchids!