Are you pondering on how to get multiple stems on an orchid? It’s not a problem anymore because you can do so by choosing several spikes growing orchid. Yes, you get it right; spike growing orchids are the best choice.
Orchids belong to a plant family Orchidaceae with 28,000 individual specie. They are somewhat gardeners’ best friend. In every greenhouse, there must always be an orchid hanging in there. They are lovely to see, especially when they effloresce multiple flowers.
In this article, we’ll learn more about the steps on how to get multiple stems on an orchid.
Steps In Getting Multiple Stems On An Orchid
As the blooming season continues, many of you might be wondering about a type of plant you can add in your greenhouse. Just a friendly suggestion; orchids can add colors to your ideal garden. But of course, you must multiply them for a fast thriving.
In this section, let’s delve into analyzing the steps on how to get multiple stems on an orchid.
#1 Choose a spike growing orchid
Some orchids do not produce more spikes. One of it is the phalaenopsis orchid that rarely grows its spike, nature in its genetics. So, you have to purchase multiple spike growing orchids to have multiple items on your orchids.
On the other hand, the equistres type of orchid is impressively multiple bloomers. If an orchid grows multiple flowers, it is also one factor that can help you choose multiple spikes growing orchid.
#2 Provide proper nutrients
People crave food when they’re hungry, of course, same also with orchids. Orchids also need proper nutrients for their growth. Here are just some of the things that you should remember to ensure the nutrients of your orchids; simultaneously, the following can help you if you want to learn how to get multiple stems on an orchid.
Nutrients needed
Like all plants, orchids also need macronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen; they will become a massive fertilizer.
Phosphorous enables the enhancement of flowering and root growth. On the other side, potassium manages the comprehensive health of the plant. Lastly, nitrogen makes the growth of plants into a green and leafy one.
Choosing a fertilizer
In picking one, you should make sure to provide balanced fertilizers. Putting fertilizer to the orchids should be routine, ensuring their abundant blooming and optimal health.
An orchid fertilizer must contain equally distributed potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen. Be mindful of 20-20-20 on the label as the basis of choice.
Fertilizer’s rate
Sometimes too much application of fertilizers can burn the roots of orchids; their structure is vulnerable given their smooth feature.
The best feedings of fertilizer are required to be one-fourth in strength every week. In monthly feeding, full strength is preferable to be applied. This way of feeding is already for the whole year-round.
Pure or unfertilized water must be used first in watering the orchids. Wet the orchid’s roots thoroughly. The next step is watering it using a solution of diluted powder.
#3 Get the right amount of sunlight
One factor that may impact the growth of your orchid’s spikes is the right amount of daylight. If it lacks adequate lighting, it is perilous for the plant to grow well. If you observed that the flowers are lesser blooming, it is because of insufficient light.
Yes, these orchids can’t grow healthy without a substantial amount of light but of indirect sunlight. Orchids will thrive in bright lightings but not in direct sunlight exposure. So if you have an orchid in your greenhouse, make sure to consider the lighting.
#4 Caring for orchid’s spikes
Here are just some ways to take good care of the plant while ensuring you get multiple stems on an orchid:
1. Check your orchid’s spike
Have your daily attention to your orchid’s spikes as much you care for your essential things. Prioritize the condition of spikes by having check-ups on it. Observe the structures of the spikes.
Green ones that are firm and strong to touch are the healthy type. Brownish or yellowish spikes cannot produce buds anymore. Immediately isolate the ailing orchids from the healthy ones to avoid the spreading of disease-carrying bacteria.
2. Maintain the neatness of spikes
Orchid’s spikes can sometimes be similar to human hair. When ignored for a couple of weeks or months, it will grow too long. For that matter, the plant will look messy and not taken care of.
Cut off the brown and dried spots, for it can’t bloom for a new batch of flowers. Trim your green spikes just an inch above its node. With that, the unnecessary spikes will be removed. Nutrients will be distributed swiftly for their proper growth.
3. Sterilize Your Tools
In order to get multiple spikes on a stem of orchids, trimming is very vital. When you trim down your orchids, you will surely use cutting tools. Speaking of tools, they must be in sterile conditions before using them. To sanitize them, here are some steps:
- Rinse your tools using warm/hot water. Apply with soap and repeat rinsing.
- Use a clean paper or soft towel to dry the wet parts of the tools.
- Heat the edge of your tool’s blades for better cutting.
- Put the tools on a paper towel. Leave them to cool and dry.
- After your tools cool down, use it to trim the spikes.
- Clean them again after using them before you store them back.
4. Stimulate with cold air
So, for you to multiply your orchid’s spikes, let them absorb a cool air. You can place them in your house area that has a cooler temperature. Let them stay there for a week without the cold breeze of air conditioners or fans.
Final Words
At the end of this article, I hope that it helped you understand the steps on how to get multiple stems on an orchid. The ideas mentioned above are connected to your orchids’ growth at home, gardens, or even greenhouses.
Thank you for your time and effort!