How to propagate an orchid from a leaf?

Before you start cutting your orchid, know that propagating this plant, from a leaf, is a long and complex process. Roots can take up to a year or more to develop! To take cuttings from your orchid, follow these steps.

1. 1. Take an adult, healthy orchid and take a leaf with a small piece of stem. Use scissors or sterilized and sharp pruning shears;
   2. Let your cutting air dry for 8 hours;

1. 1. Take a rooting product, and apply a small amount to your cutting;
   2. Dilute the activated charcoal in a container of water. Activated carbon is an effective antibacterial to promote the development of good bacteria useful for your plant’s root system. Antifungal, it also helps fight cryptogamic and fungal diseases;
   3. Immerse the leaf and the piece of stem in the solution;

1. You will then just have to plant your cutting in the ground. Before proceeding with this step, first check the soil for traces of mold or rotten plant parts.

The rooting agent, a product for successful orchid propagation

The use of a rooting product or agent is not arbitrary. This is what makes your cuttings successful. We’ll explain it to you.

The rooting product is a stimulator that helps cuttings grow better and form a strong, healthy root system. If you don’t like chemicals, you can easily prepare your own natural and eco-friendly rooting agent.

For this, we suggest using lenses. These legumes facilitate root growth because they contain plant hormones like auxin. This is what ensures healthy plant growth. To make your own rooting product, follow these steps suggested by Henri Morgan , agronomist and science editor at TheGardenStyle.com , a site specializing in gardening and agriculture.

1. 1. Soak 100 grams of lentils in a liter of water;
   2. Cover the container and leave it aside for a few hours;
   3. Stir the mixture, then collect the water from the maceration in another container and store it in the refrigerator;

1. 1. Cover the lentils with a towel and store them in a dark place overnight;
   2. The next day, soak the lentils again in the water you have reserved for a few minutes;
   3. Filter the water again, reserve it and cover the lentils so that they continue to germinate. The purpose of this operation is to moisten the lenses daily;

1. 1. Repeat this action every day until the lentils finally germinate;
   2. When the lentils have sprouted, put them in a blender and add the water you have stored in the refrigerator;
   3. Mix until you obtain a paste, then using a sieve, filter the paste to recover the liquid;

1. Transfer the liquid into a bottle and add 10 cups of water to dilute the concentrate you have obtained;
2. All you have to do is dip your cuttings in this mixture before planting them. Note that this solution can be stored for up to 15 days in the refrigerator.

Keikis or suckers to multiply phalaenopsis orchids and obtain new shoots

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