Phalaenopsis - Cut Spike Propagation (help)

[carolina_keiki]

I searched the threads here in search of threads where the results of cut spike propagation was documented/discussed, specifically to the point the node developed a keiki with leaves.

I've tried this method with 3 of my orchids - 10 nodes.

4 developed without keiki paste but I put some one to speed development along after the node started to look swollen. 3 I put keiki paste on right away after pulling off the bract. 3 others developed without keiki past but all 3 rotted/molded before the node developed any leaves.

I have keikis now (3 with leaves and 3 almost there) but my problem is that the spike is starting to fade/die before they are getting roots. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the cut spike method and how did you get the keikis to develop roots without the support of the spike and an approximate time frame of development.

I'm starting to feel like a mother hen watching over a clutch at this point.

[Roberta]

What you need is to buy more plants...
I have seen the YouTube video on this approach to squeezing more plants out of one. Seems a waste of time to work so hard for such low odds of success when there are soooo many lovely orchids that would like to go home with you.

[estación seca]

Look up "stem propagation of Phalaenopsis." It's slow and uncertain without a lot of practice, so it's generally not done except with high quality awarded plants.

Your plantlets will make roots when they feel like it. High ambient humidity helps a lot - 60% or over.

[carolina_keiki]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Look up "stem propagation of Phalaenopsis." It's slow and uncertain without a lot of practice, so it's generally not done except with high quality awarded plants.

Your plantlets will make roots when they feel like it. High ambient humidity helps a lot - 60% or over.

Thanks.

I bought a small strip heating mat. I think that's helping with the temperature and overall humidity.

I still have about a month away from 5 total months so I have my fingers crossed that I'll see some root action soon just to gauge I'm on the right track.

---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

What you need is to buy more plants...
I have seen the YouTube video on this approach to squeezing more plants out of one. Seems a waste of time to work so hard for such low odds of success when there are soooo many lovely orchids that would like to go home with you.

Since it's a low cost experiment at this point and I was going to throw the spikes away, I didn't see many barriers in trying it.

So far so good.