A Detailed Guide to the Latest Dendrobium Propagation Methods and Techniques

Dendrobium is also called immortal grass, resurrection grass, Linlan, golden hairpin flower and so on, and it is also regarded as a precious medicinal herb, among which Dendrobium officinale has the best medicinal value and tonic effect. There are many species of Dendrobium, and at present the most economically valuable ones are Dendrobium officinale, Dendrobium devonianum, Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium huoshanense, more than fifty varieties in all. So do you know how Dendrobium propagates? Let's take a look below.

1. Seed propagation

Many friends say that Dendrobium has no seeds. In fact, it is just that its seeds are very small, and its seeds generally do not germinate either. Very few people use seed propagation to grow Dendrobium, so it is mistakenly believed to have no seeds. In fact, as long as conditions are specific, Dendrobium seeds can also germinate, but the growing technique is quite difficult. Although the number of seeds is very large, the germination rate is not very high, so generally people who grow Dendrobium will not adopt this kind of thankless propagation method.

2. Division propagation

Division propagation is currently the most commonly used method of propagating Dendrobium. The best planting time for division propagation is generally March or April in spring, though the survival rate of autumn planting is also quite good. Division usually uses newly sprouted plants, and then vigorous, robust plants with well-developed roots are selected for division and then grown. When dividing, do not damage its roots, as this will affect its survival rate. Second, you can appropriately prune away the dead branches of the division and the weaker stems and leaves, so that the cultivated Dendrobium grows better.

3. Cutting propagation

Cutting propagation is generally carried out in spring and summer, and the best planting time is May and June, when cuttings have the highest survival rate. Cutting propagation also has requirements for the selection of seed stems. Generally, robust and plump stems that are three years old or more are selected, each seed stem is generally about 20 cm, and four or five nodes should be retained. Finally, insert the prepared seed stems into the cultivation site for planting.

4. Aerial bud propagation

Aerial bud propagation is actually not very commonly used either, because its planting survival rate still has certain shortcomings. If aerial bud propagation is used, it is best carried out in summer, when the vitality of aerial buds is at its strongest period. So when choosing aerial buds, it is best to choose aerial buds with a few roots from robust plants that are more than three years old, or relatively thick and strong aerial buds for planting.

5. Bud division propagation

Bud division propagation is also adopted only in a few areas. It generally uses Dendrobium that has grown for more than two years. Then, using slicing techniques, new buds about four or five cm are cut from the mother plant, and the cut new buds are placed in rooting water to soak. Generally after 24 hours new roots will grow, and then they can be planted. But during the planting process, note that watering must not be done; just wait until the plant has completely survived and then water it reasonably.

The above are the several propagation methods of Dendrobium that the editor wants to share with you today. Among them, the most commonly used is division propagation. As for the other propagation methods, you can also refer to them. If you have a propagation method you prefer more and that has a higher survival rate, you are also welcome to share it with the editor.