How to Regrow an Orchid (Without Roots)
Trying to regrow an orchid completely without roots is no easy task. But it is not impossible. All you need is a container trick that will keep your orchid safe until its roots sprout.
Depending on the orchid’s species and the environment, your rootless orchid could take a week or two to recover. The amount of time it takes depends on the plant’s stress level and the amount of care it receives.
If you are lucky, you may see some new roots appear between two and three months. You can find some of these roots in flower shops or at nurseries. The trick is to make sure your orchid is placed in an area with high humidity. Ideally, you should put it in a container that is tall and airy. This allows air to circulate and prevents mold from developing.
Orchids have pseudobulbs that help store water in the drought. Aerial roots also play an important role in nutrient absorption.
If your orchid is showing signs of dehydration, make sure it gets a drink of water a few times a day. You should also place it in a plastic container with a lid. You could also use a bread bag or some other temporary solution.
Likewise, you might have heard of the Sphag and Bag Method. This is a clever trick that stalls the dehydration process by raising the humidity around the leaves. The container trick can help your orchid to survive for a while, but it may not do the trick in the long run.
For complete Step-by-Step, read How to Grow Orchids.
How to Regrow an Orchid Stem
Whether you are looking to propagate an orchid or just want to cut an orchid stem, there are several ways to get the job done. The best way to do this is to use the right tools and take care to use the correct cutting techniques.
In order to cut an orchid stem, you will need to make sure that you have a sharp knife, or razor blade, as well as sanitized tools. Then, you will need to cut the stem all the way to the base of the plant. You can also wrap the cut end in sphagnum moss to help the orchid retain moisture.
Furthermore, using a rooting hormone like keiki paste can help the orchid develop faster. Remember to keep the cuttings out of direct sunlight. Read What is Orchid Keiki Paste?
If you cut an orchid stem all the way to the base, you will have to wait numerous months before you get a new shoot. However, you can cut it down into two or more segments, then store it in a jar or tall tube.
You can also cut a flowering spike off an orchid to encourage new growth. You can do this either at the end of the season or right after the flowers have withered. Not only that, but you can either cut the spike in half or remove the flower. This is not an exact science, so it is best to try to get close to the node.