Should rootless side shoots on Phalaenopsis orchids be cut off? Here's the correct way to separate them

A side shoot has sprouted next to the mother Phalaenopsis orchid, and it looks quite lively. A side shoot appearing on a Phalaenopsis orchid is normally a happy thing, but it just won't take root - so should you cut it off at this point? Actually, it depends on the state of the side shoot, so don't rush to grab the scissors.

If the side shoot is still small, only about two or three centimeters tall with just a few leaves, then even if it has no roots, don't rush to cut it. After all, the side shoot is still growing, and it might just put out roots on its own with a bit more care. Cutting it off rashly at this point would be a real shame. But if the side shoot has already grown quite large, with three or four leaves unfolded, and after two months there's still no sign of root tendrils emerging, then it may have decided to "stay put" - keeping it would only make it compete with the mother plant for nutrients, and at that point you can consider removing it.

So if the side shoot hasn't grown roots, how should you separate it from the mother plant? First, you need to pick the right time - preferably spring or autumn, when the temperature is between 20-25°C. At this time wounds heal quickly and the side shoot survives easily. If you do it during the high heat of summer or the low temperatures of winter, the side shoot will easily rot.

When doing the operation, first carefully take the Phalaenopsis orchid out of its pot, gently shake off the sphagnum moss around the roots, and look at where the side shoot connects to the mother plant. Find a sharp small knife and cut just a little above the connection point, trying to let the side shoot take a bit of "flesh" - don't cut too shallowly. After cutting, immediately apply some carbendazim powder to the wound, or dip it in a carbendazim solution, then dry the wound for about a day so it forms a thin scab - this prevents pathogen infection.

After separating them, the mother plant can be repotted directly - just be careful not to let the wound touch the sphagnum moss. As for the side shoot, since it has no roots, it can't be planted directly into sphagnum moss or it will easily rot. You can find a shallow tray, put some moist sphagnum moss in it, and place the side shoot on top - don't bury it too deep, just let the bottom slightly contact the moss. Then put it in a well-ventilated place with indirect light, keep the temperature at around 20°C, and occasionally spray water around it to increase humidity, but don't let the sphagnum moss become waterlogged. After a month or two, once white new roots emerge from the bottom of the side shoot, you can pot it up normally.

Actually, there's no need to be too anxious if a side shoot hasn't grown roots - sometimes the timing just isn't right. If the side shoot isn't affecting the mother plant's growth, you might as well wait a bit longer. If you really must separate them, just remember to work gently, disinfect properly, and give it the right environment - most of the time it will take root successfully.