Before proceeding directly to the issues of cuttings, I would like to briefly define 'precious orchids'. This is a group of orchids, decorative with their leaves, as a rule, having a variety of patterns with shiny veins, shimmering gold, silver or copper, on a monochromatic or multi-colored background of a velvet sheet. Although some genera do not have any patterns on the leaves, the velvety nature of the leaves is present.
Macodes aff. sanderiana
Ludisia discolor sp.Most precious orchids are moisture and heat-loving plants, the optimal temperature for them is 22-29S. When re-drying, they discard leaves and lose decorativeness.
Examples of precious orchidsTypically, the most common jewel in our flower shops has become Ludisia discolor.
By her example, I want to show how I multiply jewels. This is necessary if your bush is lush enough and you want to swap plants with someone or give someone the same plant as yours.
It should be noted that, unlike other orchids, precious ones have a creeping branched stem (pseudobulbs), therefore this method is suitable only for precious orchids.
Internodes can be clearly seen on the stem of ludisia, with large pimples, these are places from where roots will appear later during cuttings.
Do not confuse with emerging kidneys.For successful cutting, it is necessary that the handle has at least 2 knots.
In the photo, I highlighted with brilliant green, options in which places you can cut off the handle. Either from below or above.
After that, the cut site is allowed to dry. And either immediately put on wet sphagnum and in the greenhouse, or, as I do, put the handle in a glass of water.
After 10-14 days, it develops roots. All jewels have fluffy ones.
After the appearance of the roots, it is necessary to transplant the independent growth for permanent residence into the simplest substrate - moss sphagnum, better green.
Now you can safely give or change.
Precious orchids are recommended to grow under high humidity in terrariums or greenhouses, as well as in hanging baskets, in moss-sphagnum.
I feed ludisia with mineral fertilizers for orchids. Any company other than Pokon is suitable. Kemira lux is also praised.
Water, as such, I do not water it, I soak it. Together with all the other orchas. I take a basin, pour the settled water, add half a bottle of fertilizer and "throw" pots there for half an hour.
To prevent the earth from surfacing, you need to pour water along the side of the pot.
In mid-late October, I cut back on feeding for Ludizia, start feeding every 2 watering, and in winter every 3.
The problem is that in September the weather is good, and the plant is still cheerful, so feeding is needed. It's different when it's damp, grey and dripping with rain. Then, from a lack of light and a decrease in temperature, the plant "falls asleep," and in such a comatose state it absorbs the least, including fertilizers .
Author of the article Anyanya