Perhaps you’re wondering how to propagate dendrobium orchids from cuttings? Dendrobium orchids have more than 1,200 genera found globally. They are further classified into two types: deciduous and evergreen plants. Both have their differences, but you can successfully grow both types in a greenhouse.
If you’re new to planting orchids, it’s better to choose the deciduous type because they’re more resilient than evergreens. Evergreens are also a great option if you plant them inside a greenhouse because they’re easy to grow as long as you get the indoor climate right.
Generally, dendrobiums need minimum light requirements, but you need to water them more frequently. As they are growing, place them under partially shaded areas where they can get enough sunlight during certain times during the day.
How to Propagate Dendrobium from Cuttings
If you want to propagate dendrobium orchids from cuttings, here’s how:
Step #1: Cut the Spikes
Dendrobium produces flowers on the short spikes that grow from the nodes found on the stem. Cut the spikes once the flowers fall, but make sure to dip your shears in rubbing alcohol between each cut to avoid spreading possible infections.
Step #2: Cut the Stems
When the flowers have died back, pick the stems that are about a foot long. Remove them from the parent plant and cut them into sections with at least three nodes in each.
Step #3: Prepare the Rooting Tray
Get a rooting tray and add a layer of pebbles and choose from a sphagnum moss base or bark. If you decide on moss, make sure to soak the moss in water until it’s soaking wet. Drain the water from the moss and spread it evenly on the rooting tray. Place the orchid cuttings on top of the moss and spray it with water. Keep your plants humid by covering them with a plastic wrap and place the rooting tray in a warm location away from sunlight.
Step #4: Care for the Cuttings
To ensure that your orchids are propagating well, the room temperature should be around 75 to 85 degrees F. Spray the orchid cuttings with water to keep them moist at all times but not soaking wet. For the first two months, spray your cuttings with water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks until you can see leaves and roots sprout from the cuttings. Make sure to follow it up with a light spray of water. Remove anything that shows rotting.
Step #5: Potting
Once you see shoots and roots, cut the stem between the sprouts using sterilized shears. Transfer them to pots where they can grow. Dendrobium orchids grow best in small flowerpots. Place them in two-inch pots using a planting medium of weathered volcanic rock, bark, or sphagnum moss. No matter which medium you choose, soak it in water until moist.
Plant the cuttings and make sure the old stem is erect, and the shoots are facing sideways or upwards. You can add a stick for support if necessary, so it remains upright. New leaves will eventually sprout, and the roots will grow into the medium.
Why Grow Your Plants in a Hobby Greenhouse?
To ensure that your orchids will grow healthy, you can place them inside a hobby greenhouse. There are many reasons why gardeners invest in a greenhouse, such as:
Keep plants away from harmful pests
If you’ve been growing orchids for quite some time, you’d know that they are susceptible to insects, such as thrips, scales, aphids, mealybugs, and two-spotted spider mites. Keeping them in an enclosed space prevents these pests from munching on your orchids. Additionally, plants inside a greenhouse are safe from infectious diseases that may be affecting garden plants.
It comes in different sizes
When people think of greenhouses, they automatically think of large, glass-walled greenhouses. However, greenhouses come in different shapes and sizes – from greenhouses, you can place on tabletops to greenhouses as big as a barn. Unless you’re a prominent plant grower, gardeners generally use mini-greenhouses.
Great for people with small garden spaces
If you want to grow different crops, but you only have limited garden space, a mini greenhouse is a perfect solution to small spaces. With a standard size of six feet, you can place a mini greenhouse on balconies, decks, and patios. There are smaller options as well if you want a more compact gardening solution. Even though these greenhouses are relatively smaller than usual, you’ll get the same benefits.
Start planting early
A greenhouse allows gardeners to start plant growth even before the planting season begins in your area. Regardless of the weather, your plants will thrive inside the greenhouse. Once the weather warms, you can transplant them into your garden if you want to.
Protect your plants from bad weather
Bad weather can instantly damage your months’ worth of hard work. A greenhouse is also useful in keeping your plants safe from inclement weather, such as storms, high winds, frost, snow, and more. You can place them in a greenhouse where they can grow and thrive.
Final Thoughts on How to Propagate Dendrobium Orchids from Cuttings
You need to know how to propagate dendrobium orchids from cuttings if you want to grow beautiful orchids. With these tips in mind, you’ll enjoy plentiful blooms at any time of the year.