We will tell you how to properly root an orchid (shoots, cuttings)

Drying damage

Underfilling or overdrying orchids is not as common as overflowing. Orchids, especially epiphytes, can do without watering for a long time, feeding on moisture from the air, but a prolonged lack of moisture threatens the plant with death.

Symptoms of underfilling or even lack of moisture may not be immediately recognized. At the beginning, the roots enter the "artificial" stage of drought, thereby provoking active growth:

• Ground part;
• Peduncle;
• Stems;
• Budding;
• And bloom.

An inexperienced florist, not paying attention to the condition of both aerial and underground roots, believes that he is observing the successfully developing ground part and does not resort to any rescue actions. If the situation is not too neglected, then by increasing the amount of watering and shortening the interval between waterings, the roots will recover to a normal state.

When completely dry, resuscitation measures should be carried out:

If the situation is not too neglected, then by increasing the amount of watering and shortening the interval between waterings, the roots will recover to a normal state. When completely dry, resuscitation measures should be carried out:

• Remove the flower from the container;
• Remove completely dried roots;

• And examine the root part.

In the presence of living tissue, there is a chance to save the plant. At the same time, it is rather difficult to determine the recovery time, it can drag on for an indefinite time, depending on:

• Age;
• Forces;
• Plant energies;
• And proper care.

When is action needed?

If the leaves are healthy, and the plant itself is actively growing, accumulating strength for flowering, it is undesirable to touch the aerial roots

However, sometimes you still have to pay attention to them. In the following cases, the crawled roots can be a signal for the beginning of active actions on the part of the grower:

• the pot has become small for the overgrown root system;
• the process of decay has begun;
• the potting medium is dry.

As you can see, the reasons can be absolutely opposite. To understand them, you also need to study the condition of the leaves and other parts of the plant.

If the leaves begin to fade, and the aerial roots take on a brown color, you urgently need to save the orchid. This is a signal that the grower is too carried away by watering.

• Until decay has covered the vital centers of the plant, you must carefully remove it from the pot, wash the roots with water and examine them. It is better to remove all rotten and dead ones. In this case, the pot, most likely, will have to be cut (if it is plastic) or broken (glass or ceramic version), since from the bottom through the drainage holes, as a rule, processes also break through, which are most often impossible to remove in another way.
• All cut or accidentally damaged roots should be treated with an antiseptic, such as activated carbon. The plant must be dried, leaving it in the air for at least 12 hours in order for the slices to tighten, otherwise, once again in the pot, they will again cause rotting.
• Taking the opportunity, it is better to replace the substrate with a new special mixture for orchids. In no case should it be possible to fill up the earth, the orchid is not only unnecessary, but also harmful. The organic acids in the soil can seriously damage the roots of a plant adapted to life on tree trunks and rocks.
• By replacing the container, you can also choose a more suitable size. Some growers recommend replacing the standard transparent pot with an original basket made of plastic or wood, which is easily breathable and does not retain moisture at all. It is in such conditions that the epiphyte is in its natural habitat. Over time, however, and such a container will be filled with roots, they will begin to crawl this time into the holes of the basket.

If the orchid regularly lacks moisture, the plant tries to find water on its own, releasing its aerial roots for this. This is exactly what it would do under natural conditions. If you respond to such a signal with a surgical method, that is, by removing the root, the plant will make several more attempts. It is clear that each shoot sent in search of water selects the substances necessary for development, and the wrong reaction of the grower only aggravates the situation, which is already extreme for the orchid.

Causes of root growth

In a warm and humid climate, plants have developed a very original way of existence, they have fleshy aerial roots that develop not underground, but above its surface.

In nature

Actually, there may not be any land for their development in nature. Having settled, for example, in a fork in a tree in the debris accumulated there (parts of the bark, withered leaves, rotten fruits and other plant debris), a tropical orchid begins to grow, using the moisture that accumulates there and the few substances dissolved in it. As it grows, it requires a stronger root system and more intense nutrition to hold onto its growing leaves and flowers. This is how the aerial roots of the orchid appear, which actively absorb water directly from the air, while they also increase the surface of the plant capable of photosynthesis. Growing, the roots help to distribute the weight of the orchid over a tree branch or rock ledge.

This is how a rather graceful plant with unusually exquisite flowers appears, surrounded by a whole heap of thick greenish-silvery intertwined and sometimes not at all aesthetic shoots.

At home

Some novice flower growers, seeing that the roots of an orchid grow upward, begin to panic, believing that something went wrong and they were mistaken in choosing the methods of caring for the plant. Often this prompts the beginning of active actions to transplant and "rescue" the orchid.

In fact, the plant entered such a phase of its development that it needed to increase the area of ​​the root system. Often this happens after flowering and rather long dormancy. The orchid begins to prepare for a new flowering, in other words, for reproduction. After all, the extraordinary flowers that have turned these tropical plants into a popular product of flower shops are just a necessary element for setting fruits, which are the main raison d'être of the original organism.

If, at this important moment for the orchid, you clumsily disturb its roots, everything may end up not at all as planned.

The main reason for this phenomenon is the unnaturalness of finding an orchid in a pot. At home, the plant is forced to be in a container that limits its freedom. For an orchid, a pot is a kind of cage in which it has to be planted in order to somehow imitate its natural habitat. And of course, imitation cannot be compared with the conditions in which the plant would have stayed if it were on the surface of some tropical giant high above the ground under the canopy of a tropical forest.

Rooting an orchid

An orchid should be rooted like this:

1. Remove the orchid roots from the pot, peel and rinse from the soil. Cut off diseased and yellowish leaves, rotten root areas.
2. Dry the slices slightly in a warm and dark room for 3 hours.
3. Dip the roots or stalk in the solution for about 20 minutes.
4. Place the orchid in a solution with activated charcoal so that the liquid does not touch the sinuses of the leaves.
5. Cover the flower with warm material, place in a bright place without direct sunlight.
6. After the appearance of young roots, plant the orchid in the ground. Make a transplant after 4 weeks.

It is better not to use "Kornevin" as watering a blooming orchid, the introduction of the substance during the period of budding and flowering entails falling of the flower petals.Watering is recommended before the formation of peduncles.

Experts do not recommend spraying orchid leaves with Kornevin solution, as it promotes the formation of cellular structures in the roots. It has no effect on the leaves.

"Kornevin" is a substance of the 3rd class of hazard, causing damage to the health of a living organism. When working with it, you should be in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated non-residential area. It is necessary to wear rubber gloves, it is forbidden to smoke, consume food and liquids at this time. After the preparation of the solution, send gloves and packing material for incineration. In case of contact with skin of hands, wash off with plenty of running water, in case of contact with eyes or into the body, consult a doctor.

You can start rehabilitation by taking water and activated carbon. At the end of cooking, you should thoroughly wash your hands and face, or wash yourself whole.

Special conditions for keeping orchids in the apartment

Since most of the orchids sold in our stores are epiphytic plants, they need certain conditions for their maintenance.

Indeed, in the tropics, the root system, hanging from a tree or stone, directly absorbed moisture from the air. But the humidity there is high and fog is not uncommon. In our regions, especially in summer, it is rather dry and hot. Therefore, it is necessary to create special conditions for the plant so that it can survive in our weather conditions.

First of all, it is a substrate. It should consist of pieces of bark of such a size that oxygen is available inside the pot. Since oxygen is an important component for the process of photosynthesis.

The second essential cultivation component is a transparent pot. In order for the sunlight to penetrate the inside of the pot. All this must be created for the plant in order to bring its conditions as close as possible to those that were in its homeland in the tropics.

IMPORTANT! Allow the root system to dry for 2-3 days between waterings so that it can participate in photosynthesis.

Rooting in water

There are several main ways of rooting in water. The orchid should be prepared for any of them. They do it as follows:

1. The orchid is carefully removed from the pot.
2. Completely free from substrate residues.
3. Rinse well under running water.
4. With the help of a sharp, pre-disinfected knife, all rotten and doubtful places are carefully cut out.
5. The resulting cuts must be treated with coal powder, cinnamon, or, in their absence, wood ash.
6. The treated orchid is left for several hours to dry the slices.

Soaking and drying method

To root an orchid in this way, you will need the following:

• a transparent container of a sufficiently large volume. Its size should be such that the orchid can fit entirely in it;
• boiled or settled water;
• root;
• honey or sugar.

The rooting process itself using this method is as follows:

1. A small amount of water is poured into the bottom of the container.
2. The orchid is placed in an aquatic environment so that its base is immersed in water for no more than 1 cm.
3. After 5-6 hours, the water is drained, and the orchid itself is dried.

The procedure described above is repeated daily until the phalaenopsis begins to grow roots.

The optimum rooting temperature for this method is 23 to 25 ° C. Also, the container should be placed in a well-lit place, but without direct sunlight.

Completely in the water

Not the most efficient and reliable method. The general principle of the method is similar to the previous one, with one exception, the drying process is absent here. In this case, the water should be changed daily. Of the disadvantages of this method, it is also worth noting the heavy survival rate of plants after rooting.

Above the water

The most efficient and less troublesome way.For it you will need a transparent container, preferably with a lid. You can use a five-liter bottle as it. Its top is cut off only on three sides, resulting in an impromptu, easy-to-close greenhouse. For the convenience of fixing the orchid, holes are made in it on both sides. A small piece of soft wire is passed through them. It is on it that the orchid will keep inside the greenhouse.

After the preparation of the container, clean pre-settled water is poured onto its bottom. Then the orchid is fixed above the water. It should be located in such a way that its lower part was very close to the surface of the water, but at the same time it did not touch it.

The container with the rooted orchid must be kept at a temperature of 23-25 ​​° C. Also, bright 12-hour lighting is required for root formation. If the rooting process takes place in winter with a short daylight hours, the plant will have to be provided with additional lighting. For this, special pink phytolamps or ordinary fluorescent lamps are used.

When rooting in the summer, you need to make sure that the plant does not get direct rays of the sun. Therefore, to place the container, it is best to choose windows with an east or west orientation. When placed on the south side, the container is placed at a distance of at least 1 meter from the window.

To help a weakened plant grow roots as quickly as possible, it can be soaked in sweetened water for 1 hour daily. After drying, it is immediately returned to its place.

Up by the roots

Another quick resuscitation method that can help an orchid without roots. You will need a cut-off plastic bottle or other container of suitable size for it. The essence of this method is as follows:

1. The leaves of the plant rise upward. For convenience, they can be fixed with the usual bank rubber band.
2. The orchid is placed in the container upside down.
3. The plant is filled with water. Its level should be no more than half the length of the sheet.
4. 1-2 tablets of activated charcoal must be placed in the water.
5. The base of the plant is sprayed daily with warm, settled water.

In about a month, future rudiments of the root system will begin to develop on it. The main advantage of this method is the almost 100% rooting result.

Purpose and characteristics of the drug

It was not by chance that Kornevin received such a name. Its action is aimed at stimulating the formation and development of the root system of young shoots, strengthening and healing the roots of adult plants.

Note. Getting into the substrate and directly on the plant, the substance is converted into growth hormone heteroauxin, which causes tissue irritation, thereby stimulating the formation of connective tissue called callus .. In addition to auxin, which includes the key element of the root, indolylbutyric acid, the chemical composition of the agent contains:

In addition to auxin, which includes the key element of the root indolylbutyric acid, the chemical composition of the agent contains:

• phosphorus - actively participates in the synthesis of root cells, starting the process of producing sucrose, cellulose, starch;
• potassium - helps to strengthen the cellular structure of the roots, compacting it and creating an additional protective barrier against parasitic microorganisms and harmful insects;
• manganese - ensures the full development of the plant;
• molybdenum - essential for tissue synthesis.

For what purpose can Kornevin be used for orchids

Kornevin is well known to the owners of exotic plants. In particular, the drug can be used for planting and growing phalaenopsis. The tool helps:

• grow roots;
• activate the ejection of the peduncle;
• take root the plant after transplantation;
• restore the orchid in a stressful period.

Note! Kornevin optimizes the growth rate of plants, normalizes metabolism and improves photosynthesis.

The drug can be used in two versions:

• dry - powder or gel;
• in a liquid state - an aqueous solution is prepared for irrigation.

Novice growers need to remember that the biostimulant does not belong to the class of substances intended for fertilizing or feeding a plant. Kornevin is a fairly active hormonal agent, the basic rule of its use: it is better to underfeed than to increase the recommended amount. Overdose of the drug - using it more often than it should be according to the instructions or exceeding the concentration when preparing the solution can lead to sad consequences: a delicate orchid runs the risk of getting severe chemical burns and perishing.

The drug is intended to stimulate the ejection of the peduncle and the growth of the root system. A biostimulant should not be used during the period of bud swelling or at the time of flowering - this can lead to the discarding of the leaves and flowers that have appeared, and if the dosage is exceeded, then to the wilting of the plant. For the same reason, you should not use the product as a nutrient aqueous solution for spraying phalaenopsis leaves.

Remember, Kornevin is a root-forming and rather aggressive agrochemical.

Resuscitation

If rotting of the root mass is noticed in an orchid, then it must be reanimated as soon as possible, and this important matter begins with a plant transplant

Assessment of the aerial part of the plant

First of all, you need to inspect all leaf plates for the presence of pests. If they are noticed, then it is necessary to treat the plant with the appropriate preparation the required number of times in order to get rid of them.

Before starting resuscitation, you should get rid of pests.

If the root mass is damaged, we do not remove the yellow and yellow leaves until the plant completely uses them for the construction of new roots. The plant, eating its own foliage, grows roots, and the removal of leaves is the main mistake of novice orchivores.

IMPORTANT! Actually, the more leaves, the more chances an orchid has to grow roots and survive.

Thorough pruning of all roots and rotting areas

The second step is to examine the root system and assess the damage caused by decay. Therefore, we shake off the bark, and if it has grown to the velamen somewhere, then it is not necessary to tear it off, since the structure of the root can be damaged. If the purchased orchid grew in a denser or moisture-absorbing soil, then the roots must be rinsed with warm and soft water.

After removing the substrate, we examine the roots and remove everything that:

• Rotted;
• Has dried up;
• Gives off liquid;
• Broken.

It is best to remove damage with pruning shears, since after it the wounds quickly heal. After removal, all produced sections are treated with one of the preparations:

• Charcoal;
• Activated carbon;
• Cinnamon;
• Zelenka.

After removal, it is necessary to treat with an appropriate fungicide and leave the flower to dry on the newspaper for 6-8 hours.

Placement in water to the point of growth

This is the most elementary way to grow a young root system in a plant and how to save it from death. Soft water is poured into a transparent glass container and disinfected with an activated carbon tablet dissolved in 250 g. water. The reanimated flower is lowered into this water so that the growing point is in the air.

Reanimation of an orchid in water.

In this case, the container should stand in a bright place with an ambient temperature of at least 23 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in winter, such plants are placed near heating devices and additionally illuminated with lamps for plants. After a while, the rudiments of the roots will appear.

IMPORTANT! Such an orchid is planted in the substrate only when the roots exceed 5 cm in length.

The importance of light mode

The light regime is very important not only for a plant that is in the process of resuscitation, but also throughout its life. Photosynthesis does not take place without diffused sunlight.Actually, if there is not enough daylight hours, the leaf mass becomes faded, and the roots may begin to die off.

results

The first roots will appear in about a month, but this is provided that the grower does not deviate from the recommended rules.

There are plants that are slow-witted, it seems that you do everything as it should, but it stands like plastic: it does not grow and does not die. But that rarely happens.

For the most part, orchids are rather tenacious plants with a great desire to live and bloom.

Using foliar top dressing

If the plant refuses to grow a new root system, top dressing can be done over the leaves. It is carried out by:

• With a solution of succinic acid. In this case, the solution for processing sheet mass is made at the rate of 1 t. Per 250 gr. water;
• There are special vitamin cocktails, for example, Dr. Foley, with the help of which feeding is carried out on the leaf.

IMPORTANT! Leaf-treated orchids should not be exposed to sunlight, as they may burn the leaves.

How to deal with aerial roots?

They must be directed to grow towards the bark and covered with sphagnum moss so that the moss itself lies on the roots, but does not touch the plant trunk. At times, this moss is sprayed with water to increase moisture. But it would be best to transplant such an orchid in a taller pot in the spring to hide the aerial roots with a substrate.

What to do if roots:

Turn black

Blackening of the roots is a fairly common situation. How to determine why the roots turn black? If you hear a crunch when you press on it or the tissue breaks, then the orchid root is dead.

Root system diseases do not always affect green shoots. But if you know about the problem in time and can heal it, you can dramatically reduce the damage to the entire plant.

Most often, the causes of death of the root system are:

• long life of the orchid;
• bacterial or fungal infection;
• excessive moisture;
• insufficient lighting;
• insufficient moisture;
• non-observance of agrotechnical instructions for the cultivation of Phalaenopsis.

What to do if the orchid has blackened roots? The first step is to correct all the mistakes in the cultivation: correct the lighting and watering regime, make sure that the flower has enough fresh air.

It is worth trying the method of soaking the roots in a special solution. It is advisable to leave it in the liquid for two to three hours, exceeding the specified time is not an error.

Phalaenopsis with black roots.

IMPORTANT! If it is impossible to resuscitate the roots, the only way out is to cut them off.

Roots are missing

Growing orchid roots:

1. After you have made sure that the orchid has no living roots at all, it is necessary to clean up to green and process all problem areas - in Phalaenopsis, this is, first of all, the base of the stem or "priest". If it is black, then in small portions, 2-3 mm each, we begin to remove it until the cut remains green for 10-15 minutes. “Popa” is best treated with Maxim, no need to dilute. Treat with fungicides. Allow to dry for 10-12 hours, more is possible.
2. A greenhouse is needed so that leaves that do not receive nutrition from the roots do not lose turgor and can participate in full force in the process of photosynthesis. Pour expanded clay or moss on the bottom of a transparent plastic container, cake box or cut-off bottle, moisten them well. To prevent the orchid from touching the wet filler, it is necessary to put a thin foam substrate on top, place the orchid on top. Cover the container with foil or a lid; in a closed system, the humidity will be higher.

1. Place the greenhouse in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. Can be placed on a shelf under a lamp, illuminated for 10-12 hours. Make sure that the temperature in the container does not exceed 24-26 ° C - optimal for photosynthesis. At a higher temperature, the orchid will cook.Ventilate the greenhouse once a day for 10-15 minutes, make sure that the filler is always moist.
2. Every day you need to get Phalaenopsis and arrange water procedures for him in the form of spraying, but without fanaticism. You can make "lotions" on leaves with succinic acid: 1 tablet per liter of water.
3. If the lower leaves of Phalaenopsis begin to turn yellow from the tip, it's okay. The orchid lacks nutrients and begins to feed on old leaf blades. Let her calmly "finish" the sheet. When it falls off, gently scrape off any residue from the stem.
4. If the leaf plate begins to turn yellow from the trunk, this is bad. Get Phalaenopsis and look into the bosom of the yellowing leaf. In the event that a hatching root is visible there, it is necessary to act according to paragraph 5. Otherwise, remove the yellowing leaf and proceed according to claim 1.
5. Keep in the greenhouse until the roots grow 2-3 cm.
6. Plant in a small pot so that the roots have time to process all the liquid. It is advisable to place the planted orchid in a greenhouse until the roots have mastered the entire container. Adhere to item 3, 2-3 times a week item 4.

An example of a greenhouse.

Dry

Orchid roots can dry out due to insufficient moisture or a variety of parasites. To determine the cause, focus on the main symptoms of parasitic diseases.

ADVICE! The best treatment is to restore the optimal watering regime for the plant.

Rotting

If the roots of the flower, on the contrary, rot, then the reason here lies in the excess of water. Also, the decomposition process can cause infection.

For treatment, you will need to purchase antibacterial agents and reduce the amount of liquid used to water the orchid.

Rotten roots.

You can get more information on the causes of rot in this article.