Can orchids be propagated by stem cuttings?
 

Most plants (at least dicots) can be propagated vegetatively, by cuttings of plant stems or leaves, etc. Can this also be done with orchids? Why, or why not?

Many orchids can be propagated by stem cuttings, and a few are quite commonly propagated that way. Reed stem Epidendrums and Vanilla are probably the most common, and Vandas and their relatives. It has to be a type where the cutting has an active growing point or can produce one from a dormant node (like a keiki) and can produce roots either from nodes on the stem or from the base of the keiki when it develops. Short stemmed monopodials like Phalaenopsis just don't have the length of stem to make a cutting, though with Phals it can be done with the spike in some cases. Sympodials with psuedobulb stems with few nodes may be virtually impossible to get the necessary keiki to form, though when you divide one by cutting the rhizome that is essentially a stem cutting too. So it is possible in some cases, even common, but very difficult in others.

Thank you for this concise and informative explanation.

Some Dendrobiums can propagate this way too. Google Dendrobium stem propagation.

Isn't this what meristem propagation is?

Both stem cuttings and meristem propagation are vegetative and will produce clones of the plant.

Meristem propagation is culturing of fast-growing tissue, such as tissue from the apical meristem of the plant. I think that I've heard that other fast-growing tissues can be cloned this way. Specialized methods and equipment and sterile conditions are required, beyond the abilities of most hobby growers.

Stem cutting propagation is more feasible for the average grower. With some orchids such as Ludisia, Epidendrum and some dendrobiums, this does not require special equipment or conditions; easily done at home.

Stem propagation is also possible with Phalaenopsis, but is a bit more specialized. Here is one link for Phal stem propagation methods: How to make Stem Propagations There are also various Youtube videos (methods I have not tried) on stem propagation of Phalaenopsis that may be easier to do at home, though I don't know how successful these methods are.

Sure. It is perfectly accurate to think of meristem propagation as using the smallest possible cutting.

Most phalaenopsis, especially the standard ones, are mericlones as cloning is the most efficient and cheapest way of mass producing phals with a consistent, so-called desired phenotype.
As far as I am aware scientists have still not been able to mericlone or even stem propagate paphs and phrags, hence they are generally more expensive than phals and seedling populations are varied........which means you get the bad as well as the good.

It is my understanding, that you can do Paphs (& Phrags?), but the results are not consistent, ie the new plants do not necessarily match the mother plant.

I have also heard that the Taiwanese claim to have perfected the process, and supposedly released some green Maudiae types produced this way. I have not heard any updates on this in the last 12-15 months though.

I had no idea that Paphs and Phrags couldn't be easily propagated via meristems. Is it known why it's so difficult with this alliance?