Orchid cultivation has become a widely popular passion, and it’s no wonder given their magnificent appearance, diverse shapes, colors, and the ability to add elegance to our homes. However, orchids can be expensive and challenging to care for, often leading us to consider purchasing new ones. What many people don’t know is that you can propagate an orchid from a single leaf, and this article will guide you through the process.
In reality, orchid leaves are not naturally suitable for propagation; the growth points for new plants are located on the stem. That’s why, to propagate an orchid using this method, you’ll need to take a leaf with a small part of the stem.
Before you start propagating an orchid from a leaf, gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a sharp garden scissors, a plastic container, filtered water, and the following fertilizers: rooting hormones, activated charcoal, cytokinin paste, and succinic acid.
This process is complex and one of the lengthiest to implement; the formation of new roots may take 1-2 years.
The propagation leaf should be taken from a mature and healthy plant. Use sharp scissors to cut the leaf along with a piece of the stem. Afterward, activate the dormant stump by letting the leaf dry for about 8 hours.
After this time, lubricate the point where new roots will form with rooting hormone. Dissolve a tablet of activated charcoal in a glass of water and immerse the stem in the solution. The sprout’s neck should be completely submerged in water.
To stimulate root growth, you can also use succinic acid. Dissolve a succinic acid tablet in a glass of lukewarm water and immerse the leaf and stem in this solution, with the sprout facing downwards.
Once the roots have formed, check for any rot or mold, and remove them before planting the orchid in soil.
