Phalenopsis propagation by roots

[jpyerry]

Since my Phal. stuartiana is in bloom, I have been reading up on the species. I came upon something interesting. In Phalaenopsis: A Monograph by Christenson, the author mentions that Phalaenopsis stuartiana and Phalaenopsis schilleriana can be propagated from root fragments.

I am considering collecting some root fragments from my plants and giving this a try.

Has anybody here attempted this, if so, what method did you use, and what were your results?

I was somewhat taken aback after reading this, I haven't heard of this kind of propagation technique in Phalaenopsis orchids. If it works, it would be a great way to propagate these plants.

My curiosity has definitely been piqued.

Justin

[skipper]

Justin, this is a very interesting question. I have not heard of this before either, but will be looking forward to the answer. I have a small schilleriana, and this could be fun to try if no special gear is needed. Christenson was a very interesting fellow, and I would think if he mentioned it there has to be something to it. We shall see.

Dale

[otis 226]

Never heard of that. But if true, I would think those desirable sp. would be flooding the market by now. I know that the terrestrial Jewel orchids can be raised from cuttings. Good luck with your experiment.
Tony

[Ron]

Very interest comment, be also very interested if someone has done this propergation type and if successful!

[jpyerry]

Not that anybody has accused me of it, but so that nobody thinks I am crazy or that I am pulling this out of thin air, I thought I should cite my reference. The passages to which I am referring occur in Phalaenopsis: A Monograph by Christenson on pages 27-28 and pages 252-253. There may be other mentions of it in this book, but I have not read it in its entirety yet.

Justin

[jpyerry]

Well, I have accelerated my plans for trying this on my Phal. stuartiana, I was going to wait for it to go out of bloom, but as (bad) luck would have it, I knocked the plant over tonight while doing my preparations for the weekend, and it knocked the plant out of its pot and snapped the flower spike off . So, I cut off about a 2" section of root, dipped it in Clonex gel, layed on some sphagnum moss that has been soaked in Physan and KLN, and put in under lights, I guess we'll see if anything happens. Should anything occur, I will post pictures of it. Oh, and I repotted the orchid.

Justin

[orchids4me]

This book is on my wish list sounds like I need to hurry up lol sounds veryinteresting !!
Good luck with your cloning? Project is that what this would be considered cloning ??

[catasetum-ian]

not sure about phalenopsis, but i came across similar article while i was searching the net for catasetum root keiki formation because one of my catasetum produced what is called a root keiki.
the articles is about utilizing root tips grown in sterile condition with special medium
here are the links
Shoot regeneration from root tips of orchids in vitro. V. Propagation of other orchids using the method developed for Mormodes histrio | Mendeley

and good luck with your root propagation.

[Ray]

I think we're talking in vitro culture, not just plopping them in moss or something.