How do you do stem props?

[Pete]

Is making stem props something you can do in your home with a relatively decent success rate OR is it best left to the professionals?


Also, how is it done? Perhaps the process is too intricate to adequately address in a forum thread. Is there a book or literature that one could refer me too?

I may be interested, if not now relatively soon, in making stem props of some Phalaenopsis.

[orchidlover69]

You may find this to be of use.

Lotte & Thomas Orchids

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Many people just use KeikiPro.

[Ben Belton]

There are several ways to do it. The best is if you have a laminar flow hood, but it can be done in your kitchen with only a little more effort.

HERE is one description. HERE is another.

Also, if you look in the hybridizing section on Big Leaf orchids there is some information. I'm sure there is some discussion here too.

[s1214215]

I use the method of sterilisation on the Lotte website, though sometimes I sterilise the stems even longer in the 3% hydrogen peroxide.

I have found the fresher the stems, the less infection. So, I recommend not letting the spike flower, but cut it as soon as the usable parts have formed fully.

Here are some pics of the stems I did two days ago. You can see the shoots have already started.

[cneos]

Linda Fortner's advice / technique may help
How to Do Orchid Stem Propagation at Home

[Pete]

Thanks for the links and advice, folks.

Is there a lab that offers a stem prop service? You send 'em the stems and they do the propagation?

[Ben Belton]

Originally Posted by Pete

Is there a lab that offers a stem prop service? You send 'em the stems and they do the propagation?

There was, but she stopped doing it recently. I don't know of anyone doing it now but maybe there is.

[SOS]

Natural Link in Nevada will probably still do it.