What is the difference between a Phalaenopsis side shoot and a small seedling?

After growing Phalaenopsis for a long time, you will always find some new little sprouts emerging in the pot. Some people say these are side shoots, others say they are small seedlings, but in fact the two are not the same thing at all.

Where do side shoots come from? They generally emerge from the side of the stem of a mature plant, especially after flowering, or when the plant is slightly aging, side shoots are particularly likely to emerge. When these side shoots first grow out they are thin and small, clinging to the main stem, bearing one or two mini leaves, and may not yet have grown roots at the bottom, so they must slowly be kept alive by the nutrients of the main plant.

Now look at small seedlings. These usually refer to independent young plants grown from seed, or produced by division or tissue culture. They are independent individuals from the moment they appear. Although they are also small, they have their own root system (even if it is very weak at first), and their leaves grow directly from the base, not clinging to the stem of another plant. For example, the mini Phalaenopsis sold in flower markets are mostly small seedlings that have grown for a period of time, just not yet old enough to bloom.

Look carefully at their appearance, and the difference is even more obvious. The “origin” of a side shoot is very clear: it is pressed tightly against the stem of the main plant, like a “conjoined twin&rdquo. At first it has almost no independent root system of its own, and its leaves are arranged rather compactly, as if squeezed out from the body of the main plant. But no matter how small a seedling is, it stands alone in the pot, its roots extend into the medium, and its leaves spread outward as they grow, so at a glance it is the one that “calls its own shots.”

The most critical thing is that their growth paths are different. If a side shoot is cared for properly, it will grow aerial roots of its own after reaching a certain size. At that point, if you separate it from the main plant, it can become a new Phalaenopsis, and because it has inherited the characteristics of the main plant, it will bloom relatively quickly, possibly after half a year to a year of growing.

A small seedling is different. It has to build its foundation from scratch, first growing roots and leaves, slowly accumulating nutrients, and generally needs to be grown for two to three years before it welcomes its first bloom. A side shoot is more like a “youth,” not far from maturity; a small seedling is a “baby” that needs a longer period of care.

Some people may ask: “So which is easier to grow, a side shoot or a small seedling?” Actually, as long as the method is right, they are about the same. When separating a side shoot, be careful to keep a bit of aerial root with it, and disinfect the wound well; for a small seedling, pay special attention to moisture and light, and do not let it dry out or expose it to harsh sun.

So, next time you see a little sprout emerging beside a Phalaenopsis, first check whether it is growing pressed against the main stem and whether it has its own roots, and you will be able to tell whether it is a side shoot or a small seedling. Either way, both are little surprises that the Phalaenopsis gives us.