How to propagate orchids by division and how to deal with the wounds of division

1. How to propagate orchids by division

Transplanting: Stop watering in advance to allow the soil in the pot to become dry so that it is easier to remove the seedlings from the pot. Then carefully remove the mother plant and shake off the substrate around the roots. If the substrate is compacted or heavy, it can be dispersed with a gentle stream of water.

Root washing: Rinse the roots with tap water, avoid soaking them as this can easily lead to infectious diseases and pests. After washing the substrate, place the plants in a ventilated place with certain scattered light to dry.

Division: After the plants have become dry and the roots have softened, use sterilized, sharp scissors to cut the bulbs with larger gaps between them, taking the second or third generation plants as units.

Disinfection: After all the plants are divided, cut off some old roots, rotten roots and diseased leaves, and apply some charcoal powder or fungicides such as carbendazim on the wounds to disinfect and sterilize the roots.

Potting: After the wound is disinfected, you can start planting in the pot. When dividing the pots, you can decide how many plants to plant based on the size of the selected pots. Generally, three to five plants in one pot is more appropriate. When potting, hold the seedling in one hand and place it in the middle of the pot so that the roots are evenly distributed, then put the prepared culture soil into the pot. You can gently shake the flowerpot while adding soil to make the soil and roots fit tightly together.

Management: After potting, you can water it thoroughly once, and then place it in a cool place with good ventilation to maintain appropriate humidity. Wait until new buds sprout before watering again.

2. How to deal with the wound of division

Orchids usually leave wounds after division. If they are not treated, they are easily invaded by pathogens and make the plants sick. You can apply some charcoal powder or sulfur powder on the wound at the root to prevent the invasion and infection of bacteria. You can also use carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl fungicide to spray on the wounds of the orchid to disinfect it.