Wondering how to easily and swiftly propagate an orchid at home? The secret lies in a simple banana peel. Let’s walk through the process.
Orchids, with their aesthetic beauty and sophistication, stand out as some of the most elegant houseplants. Despite their minimalist nature, their flowers have the power to add vibrant colors and beauty to any space. While their care demands a bit of attention, propagating these exquisite plants at home is surprisingly straightforward with just a few natural ingredients. Let’s explore how to do it.
How to propagate an orchid at home
Propagating an orchid indoors may seem like a challenging task, but all you need is a branch from a faded orchid (even one that appears almost dead), a small banana, ground cinnamon, a garlic clove, some moss, a candle, a plastic bottle, and water. The process is simple and requires a bit of time and patience for the orchid to take root.
- Identify the Branch: Choose a branch without flowers or buds, cutting it from the rest of the plant. Trim the ends until you see bright green inside; this will be the starting point for your new orchid plant.
- Use Garlic: Peel a clove of garlic and use it to insert the ends of the branch. Massage the green sides of the branch with the garlic clove to prevent mold or fungi and inhibit rotting.
- Seal with Wax: Light a candle, and when the wax begins to flow, use it to seal the ends of the branch. This may seem counterintuitive, but it helps prevent water loss from the branch.
The Propagation Process
- Banana Mixture: Peel and blend a small banana with its peels, adding a liter of water. Strain the mixture into a jar.
- Immerse the Branch: Completely immerse the branch in the banana mixture for at least 20 minutes in an airtight container.
- Cinnamon Solution: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon with a liter of boiling water. After cooling, strain the mixture to serve as a disinfectant for the moss.
- Prepare Moss: Soak the moss in the cinnamon-water mix for 20 minutes. Squeeze it well and let it dry on a paper towel.
- Create a Mini Greenhouse: Cut a large water bottle one-third from the base, leaving one part that can be opened and closed. Add pebbles for drainage, place the moss on top, and lay the orchid branch horizontally, dampening it with the banana mixture.
- Maintain Humidity: Spray with a little water, close the bottle to maintain humidity, and regularly mist the setup.
- Observe Growth: After a couple of weeks, you’ll start to see the first shoots. Keep the branch in the DIY greenhouse for at least a couple of months until you have a plant with roots ready to be planted in bark.
