Epiphytic and lithophytic members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) can be found all over the world. Some orchids in the Dendrobium genus can be grown from stem cuttings, despite the fact that most orchids cannot be grown from cuttings. One of these species is the Noble Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile), which is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11. It’s a beautiful houseplant that blooms from late winter through early summer.
Plants of the Dendrobium Nobile Family
The short spikes of the Noble Dendrobium flower, which emerge from the nodes along the stem or pseudobulb, produce single or clusters of flowers. It is possible, after the flowers fade, to cut off the spikes with scissors or shears. Rinse your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol after each use to prevent the spread of disease.
Cutting the Stem
One or more stems up to a foot long can be used as a substitute for the flowers that have faded. Cut them into three- to four-node sections and snip them off the parent plant. Set aside the trimmings.
Tray for Plant Roots
Using bark, pebbles, or sphagnum, create an ideal rooting medium in your rooting tray before you plant your seeds. Afterward, allow the moss or bark to dry out before using it in your project. Make an even layer of the medium in the tray and spread it out. Spray the stem cuttings with water before placing them on the medium. To maintain a high level of humidity, cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap. It is best to keep the tray in a warm, dark place
Taking Less Time and Energy
Maintain a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the rooting tray. Seedling heat mats are useful for ensuring that the temperature in a growing area remains constant. Keep the cuttings moist, but not soggy, by misting them frequently. Water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer or seaweed extract should be sprayed onto the plants every two weeks for the first two months of the season, followed by a light misting of water. A foliar fertilizer, such as 6-6-8, can be sprayed on the cuttings every other week. The foliar fertilizer should be applied every two weeks until the cuttings have leaves and roots. Any rotting cuttings should be thrown away.
What You Need to Know About Potting
Sterilized anvil pruners can be used to gently cut the stem between the plantlets after the cuttings have developed new shoots and roots. If the parent plant has pseudobulbs or stems, the baby plants known as keikis are formed naturally.
They prefer to grow in small containers. Using a loose orchid medium of bark, weathered volcanic rock, or sphagnum moss, pot the new plants in 2-inch pots. To ensure that the medium is completely saturated, soak it first. Plant the new plantlet so that the old stem is upright and the shoots are facing outward or upwards in the garden. Keep it upright and in place by gently tucking it into the medium and, if necessary, using a stake. The roots and new leaves will emerge from the potting medium as the plant grows.
Dendrobium Precautionary Measures
Place the Dendrobium in a well-lit area, such as a window with sheer curtains on the south or west side. Temperatures between 68 and 85 F during the day and 65 to 75 F at night are ideal for these orchids. Allow temperatures to fall to 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit at night during the winter. A 10-degree temperature difference between day and night is ideal for Noble Dendrobiums.
Put the flowerpot in the sink and fill it with water until the water runs out of the drain. On the other hand, large plants may only need watering once a week for small orchids. In the fall and winter, watering should be reduced to a mist to keep the potting medium moist.
Keep the orchid in an area with high humidity. It’s best to keep the plant away from air ducts if you can. A cool steam humidifier and a collection of plants are two easy ways to increase the humidity in your home or office space.
Foliar fertilizer should be applied on a monthly basis during the spring and summer growing seasons. Apply a quarter-strength 12-12-12 water-soluble fertilizer as an alternative, and do so after every other watering.
