Jewel Orchid Stem Cutting Propagation

Every month or two, I go through my vivaria and take stem cuttings of my jewel orchids to propagate them. 

Supplies:

  • Pruning shears

  • Isopropyl alcohol spray or wipes

  • Plastic sandwich/takeout containers with clear tops

  • Reverse osmosis (RO) water

  • Sphagnum moss

  • Cinnamon powder

  • Plant labes

  • Sharpie

When I take a stem cutting from one of the jewel orchids in a vivarium, I cut just below a node. A plant node is a point on a plant where leaves, stems or flowers grow. I usually try to cut below two nodes, but one will also work. Always sterilize

When I take a stem cutting from one of the jewel orchids in a vivarium, I cut just below a node. A plant node is a point on a plant where leaves, stems or flowers grow. I usually try to cut below two nodes, but one will also work. Always sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol wipes or spray between cuttings. I typically remove all leaves except the top ones.

After I remove the stem cuttings from the vivaria, I dip the cut ends in cinnamon powder. It is used on plants as a natural fungicide, helping to prevent fungal diseases and mold growth, particularly on seedlings and stem cuttings.

After I remove the stem cuttings from the vivaria, I dip the cut ends in cinnamon powder. It is used on plants as a natural fungicide, helping to prevent fungal diseases and mold growth, particularly on seedlings and stem cuttings.

Next, I pour some reverse osmosis in a container, and I place some sphagnum moss in the container and let it sit for a few minutes. I squeeze all of the excess water out of the sphagnum.

Next, I pour some reverse osmosis in a container, and I place some sphagnum moss in the container and let it sit for a few minutes. I squeeze all of the excess water out of the sphagnum.

I place a layer of sphagnum moss in a box with a clear lid, without any holes in the container.

I place a layer of sphagnum moss in a box with a clear lid, without any holes in the container.

I plant the stem cuttings in the moss, making sure the nodes without leaves are buried.

I plant the stem cuttings in the moss, making sure the nodes without leaves are buried.

I put my cuttings in my plant propagation boxes that receive 12 hours of LED light a day. I prefer freshwater planted aquarium LED lights (Finnex, Hygger, Aquaillumination, Kessil, Fluval, Aquaneat, etc.)

I put my cuttings in my plant propagation boxes that receive 12 hours of LED light a day. I prefer freshwater planted aquarium LED lights (Finnex, Hygger, Aquaillumination, Kessil, Fluval, Aquaneat, etc.)

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After several weeks to a couple of months, the cuttings should have enough roots to be planted in soil. I transfer the rooted cuttings to clear pots with sphagnum moss until the roots are substantial or I plant them directly into vivaria or a good s

After several weeks to a couple of months, the cuttings should have enough roots to be planted in soil. I transfer the rooted cuttings to clear pots with sphagnum moss until the roots are substantial or I plant them directly into vivaria or a good soil mix.