Orchid Stem Propagation

[pedecamera]

The other day I was reading a story by Linda Fortner. . . Orchid Stem Propagation
Now I am really pumped to give this a try. . . seems a little easier them the seeds stuff.

I do have a few question in regards with this article.
1. in the list of tools needed. . . Sterile culture tubes with one hole stoppers. . . . and the cotton do I read right that you do not really seal off the tube? like using a cork or rubber lid? so with cotton there is some air movement?

2. selecting a stem. I was looking at the stem of a flowering Phal. starting from the plant ( bottom ) I count about 6 "sections ??buds?? before the flowers start.
in this process are these the buds? we need for propagation right? these are on the stem below the flowers.

Those are the question I have this time. . . I am sure when I try I will run in problems and will mess things up.
Once the blooms are done I will practice on the stem I think. . . practice is the word. . . will not actually hope to grow anything.

Thanks
Peter

[Royal]

Originally Posted by pedecamera

The other day I was reading a story by Linda Fortner. . . Orchid Stem Propagation
Now I am really pumped to give this a try. . . seems a little easier them the seeds stuff.

I do have a few question in regards with this article.
1. in the list of tools needed. . . Sterile culture tubes with one hole stoppers. . . . and the cotton do I read right that you do not really seal off the tube? like using a cork or rubber lid? so with cotton there is some air movement?

2. selecting a stem. I was looking at the stem of a flowering Phal. starting from the plant ( bottom ) I count about 6 "sections ??buds?? before the flowers start.
in this process are these the buds? we need for propagation right? these are on the stem below the flowers.

Those are the question I have this time. . . I am sure when I try I will run in problems and will mess things up.
Once the blooms are done I will practice on the stem I think. . . practice is the word. . . will not actually hope to grow anything.

Thanks
Peter

#1 You need the sterile environment sealed to keep out any mold from forming. But the plants will need to 'breath' so you'll need something with really small pores. I don't know if cotton will give you consistently clean cultures. You won't need air movement, just gas exchange. Micropore surgical tape can work, so do the NexCare sterile spots.

#2 You are correct, you want the nodes. There is a dormant axillary bud behind that little "sheath" thing. That's what you're trying to get to grow.

[pedecamera]

so I did read correctly

now there is one thing left to do

jump in and try and wish me luck

I know things will not go right the first time... but that is the fun of it learning and getting better

thanks
peter

[jrhennek]

Peter

On the Phal. you could very carefully remove the protecive cover on the knode or several knodes and use a product called (Keike Grow paste) developed in canada or try (Keike Pro) a liquid from the US. I have used both with good sucsess. This way you need no special tools.

Jayme

[pedecamera]

will look into it
thanks
peter

[Orchidaholic]

there are basically 3 ways of propagating from a phal stem.

1: Using the keiki solutions. Leave the stem on the plant and apply solution to the node (peel the sheath from the node)

2: IN VITRO. Cut the spike and divide it into individual node sections. Leave an inch or so on eash side of the node and peel sheath. Sterilize node using either H2O2 or 3-5% Bleach solution. Place node onto a sterile test tube/flask with propagation or replate media <~Same preperations as with sowing seeds.

3: The dirty method. Prep the nodes as above but dip the cut ends into a fungicide and lay on a bed of sphagnum or damp dirt/peat. Not as reliable but much easier.

A further note on node culture is that it is possible to cut a slit into the dormant 'eye' in the node which can sometimes produce multiple plants from one node! Below is a link to check out for a little more node culture info. Good luck!!!

Lotte & Thomas Orchids

[Pippin]

I used keiki paste with good results (not only for phals).
In vitro is my first choice (almost exclusive).
And, I never tried the "dirty" method, maybe I should give it a try. Can you be more specific about this method

[Orchidaholic]

In the Lotte & Thomas method they say to dip the cut ends into fungicide and lay it across damp peat or potting soil(from what I gather) in an enclosed container. I Personally like to use either fine charcoal or living sphagnum moss to lay the cut spikes on(also in an enclosed container) I dont have a pic of this method but here is an example(My "biosphere" or "Non sterile flask") that has seedling in it.

[trinimom]

Ok I am not new to Orchid growing but new to almost everything I have read here...lol
So a while back I saw that my purple phal was looking as if it was rotting so I cleaned it out and put it in a basket with copra and coals and pieces of bricks , since then it has regained itself and has also bloomed. I have two other phals , a bright yellow which has been blooming for the past two years with out stopping and a pale yellow with a hint of white.
When I was cleaning out the purple phal a, piece of stem broke off and also a dendrobium cane snapped. My akwardness with my Arthritis. So I just rest them in one of my anthurium claypots which has copra and a loose potting mix. Two days ago I saw plants shooting out from both pieces , they are small and I have left them and not disturbed them at all ...... At what stage do I transplant.
This has been my method of orchid growing , trial and error of my own methods ...LOL
But I have learnt so much here and I truly appreciate it
THANKS EVERYONE....

[John D.]

transplant after they have formed some roots about 1 1/2 - 2 inches long.