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growing another orchid from an existing


Question
QUESTION: Can I grow a second orchid from clipping any part of the plant and sticking it in water or dirt to root?

ANSWER: Angela, you cannot create vegetative divisions as you can with many house plants.  Some orchids can produce new plants called keiki's under special conditions at joints on the flower spike called nodes. These keikis will consist of leaves and roots and can be separated from the mother plant when they grow large enough.  Orchids that can produce keikis are principally phalaenopsis and dendrobiums.

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QUESTION: I bought my dad an orchid at a large chain two years ago. He absolutely loves it! Dad is 82 and has practically everything. I would like to get him another orchid for Father's Day. Since he is a novice which type (or species or genre or卬ot sure of the correct terminology) do you recommend for ease of care, vivaciousness and beauty? I do not know which type he already has. Are there any websites you would recommend for my purchase?

Answer
Angela, I recommend a hybrid phalaenopsis.  They are easy to care for and come in a large variety of flower colors. I have purchased quite a few at Home Depots and Loewes stores but noticed that many have depleted supplies following Mother's Day.  If you obtain one at these stores, most are potted in moss which generally isn't beneficial for the long term health of the plant and, following flowering, need to be repotted in a standard orchid potting mix.  Same for the plant you previously gave your father.  Most orchid plants need to be repotted in a standard orchid potting mix every year or two.  To identify the standard types of orchids and growing conditions, go to the American Orchid Society (AOS) web site.  If I knew your location I could recommend a grower who specializes in orchids so you could visit.  I recommend picking a plant in flower so you know what you are getting.  Many growers have on-line web sites where you can look at pictures and also do on-line ordering.  You may want to go to the Orchid Mall and check out the vendor websites.

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