Operation Propagation Dendro with repot

[Matorchid]

Hello all,

Well it goes like this. Repotting some Dendrobiums with keikes, and wasn't sure where to make snips. Is it below the bulb on the keike or is the top of the old cane?

I know this is a basic beginner question, but the answer seems to have eluded me head at the moment. Everything is ready to go as we speek.

Thank you in advance.

[Hiester]

Matorchid, I'm not clear about what you mean by the snips, but keikis on Dendrobium canes can usually be gently twisted off the cane, including any roots the keiki on it's own has produced. In lieu of twisting them off, you could use a sterilized sharp blade to slice away the little plantlets.

[Matorchid]

Hello Heister,

Oh I snips I meant cuts as with scissors. I guess twist is the preferred method, correct? I will try it that way first, then if it doesn't work I will go the machete(surgical knife).
One more thing, is it ok that the said plantlets are single bulb, I have about 6 that are singles them I have about 3 that have multiples, could actually be their own plant.
Also any ideas on a good mix for the little guys. Thinking my Dendro mix might be a little to big for them.

[Matorchid]

Sorry about sideways tried every way even holding camera upside down. Wish I could fix that

[Hiester]

Single leading growths are fine as long as they have three or four roots about two to three inches long. It will likely take them a bit longer to mature to flowering, but they should survive as individuals without much trouble at all.

I would use a medium bark mix with a bit a charcoal tossed in and maybe some large sponge rock (Perlite) if you have it. I hardly ever use any sphagnum moss with Dendrobiums, but a few little bits for light moisture retention on the first potting wouldn't hurt anything.

[Matorchid]

Thank you and I will just put them in a seedling mix

[Hiester]

Originally Posted by Matorchid

Thank you and I will just put them in a seedling mix

Yes, a seedling mix would be fine for the first potting of keikis. Dendrobiums do not like to be over potted (too large of a pot).

[Matorchid]

Think this would be ok for them singles
The middle or should I go with the throw away.
Lg one is4x4.5, next is 2x2.5

[Hiester]

Originally Posted by Matorchid

Think this would be ok for them singles
The middle or should I go with the throw away.
Lg one is4x4.5, next is 2x2.5

Yep, best I can tell, the middle one would be fine. You might end up with a lot of roots trying to grow out of the bottom of the disposable, since it's kinda short.

[Matorchid]

Cool thank you