Question
Broken off orchid stem
Dear Wayne: Thanks for the answers you have given me. However I was not able to ask another question regarding my first question where you told me I could add place the cut end of the stem in water (add a bit of clear sugary soda to the water). Do you mean something like a clear soft drink like Seven up or Gingerale? Also what can I do with the stem after I apply this to it. Did you mean that I could replant it in the soil or somehow attach it back on the remaining stem? I feel so dumb. Please help with the next steps in doing something with the broken off part. Yesterday I put it in water. Getting the broken part to be a plant again would be great amazing and uplifting to my spirits about the damaged orchid. Thanks. Laura
AnswerLaura, yes, Seven up would be fine. Understnd that the broken off part of the spike will not grow roots. However, it is possible that both the broken off portion and the remaining portion of the flower spike (attached to the plant) could develop new plants at the nodes (joints). These plants eventually will have roots and leaves and can be removed and potted up as separate plants. Better chance that this can occur on that portion of the flower spike remaining on the plant, but, it may also occur on the broken off part. These planlets are called keikis and are clones of the mother plant. Lower light levels favor keiki development so, if that is what you want, move the plant and its broken off spike (in the seven up solution) to a darkened area for a week or more to induce keiki formation. The entire process of producing and growing keikis at the flower spike nodes will take months. Let me know how things are progressing. If you are fortunate enough to induce the growth of keikis, we will need to discuss future steps.
