The Beauty of Orchid Seedlings: A Guide to Growing and Caring

Orchids are an exciting and diverse group of plants known for their beautiful and exotic flowers. Growing orchids from seedlings is a rewarding hobby that allows you to witness the entire life cycle of these stunning plants.

However, it takes patience and specific knowledge to ensure success. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing orchid seedlings, from choosing the suitable species to caring for your plant as it grows.

Choosing the Suitable Orchid Species

When choosing an orchid species, consider factors such as the local climate, the amount of space you have, and the amount of care you can afford. Some orchids require specific conditions to thrive, so it’s essential to research the needs of your chosen species.

The space you have for growing orchids also determines the type of orchid you should produce. With enough space above, you can grow tall orchids such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis and Cattleya. If you don’t have much space, you can still grow an orchid, but choose a small one, such as Ascocentrum.

Types of Orchids

Orchids are generally divided into two broad categories that characterize their growth habit. Monopodial orchids have a single, erect stem, with leaves arranged opposite each other along the stem.

The flower stems appear from the base of the upper leaves.

Orchids with this growth habit include:

• Phalaenopsis
• vandals

Sympodial orchids grow horizontally and send new shoots from older rhizomes. Leaves and flowers form at the top of the new shoot. Many sympodial orchids form pseudobulbs, swollen shoots that store water and nutrients to help the plant survive prolonged periods of drought. Sympodial orchids include:

• Cattleya
• Cymbidium
• Onside
• Dendrobium

High-elevation orchids, such as masdevallia and epidendrum, grow in cloud forests where temperatures average 60° to 70° F and high humidity. These orchids prefer filtered light that is not too intense.

What are Orchid Seeds and Seedlings?

Orchid seeds are not like the seeds of other plants. Most plant seeds contain a food source or reserve that fuels the seedling’s growth and produces the first set of tender leaves known as cotyledons.

Orchid seeds do not have that food storage, which may explain why orchid seeds are smaller than dust.

Difference Between Seed and Seedling

Orchid seeds are tiny and dusty, making them difficult to handle and plant. On the other hand, seedlings are young plants that have already sprouted and produced their first leaves. Seedlings can be easier for beginners to start as they are less fragile than seeds.

Importance of proper management

Orchid seeds and seedlings require careful handling to avoid damage. Always use clean equipment and sterile growing media to prevent contamination and promote healthy growth.

Prepare the Cultural Medium

To propagate orchids from seed, you need to work in sterile conditions. The seeds must germinate in a gelatinous substance that contains nutrients and growth hormones. It would help if you also had a lot of patience.

The first leaves take several months to develop and, even then, will be visible only with a magnifying glass. Botanists at Texas A&M University recommend this moth orchid potting mix: 80% spruce bark and 20% coarse sphagnum peat moss.

Growing Media Types

With 30,000 different species of orchids, giving simple care and growing instructions is impossible. However, an orchid’s appearance can explain its preferences for light, water, and growing medium.

Orchids can be grown in a variety of media, including:

Sphagnum moss: Retains moisture well and provides a stable environment for seedlings.

Bark Mix: Provides good drainage and aeration, essential for healthy root development.

Coconut Shell: A sustainable option that provides excellent moisture retention and ventilation.

Sterilization Process

Before sowing orchid seeds, it is essential to sterilize the growing medium to eliminate potential pathogens. This can be done by boiling the medium in water for a few minutes or using a microwave.

Sowing Orchid Seeds

In the outdoor orchid garden, it can take two years (or more) for orchid seeds to show leaf growth. Orchid seeds can take four to eight years to produce a plant capable of flowering.

Step-by-step planting process

Sterilize the culture medium: Ensure that the medium is free of pathogens.

Prepare containers: Use clean, sterile containers with lids to create a controlled environment.

Distribute the seeds: Distribute the orchid seeds evenly over the growing medium’s surface.

Seal containers: Cover containers with lids or plastic wrap to retain moisture and prevent contamination.

Best storage conditions: Keep containers in a warm, well-lit area without direct sunlight.

Tips for successful shoots

Maintain high humidity: Orchid seeds require high humidity levels to germinate successfully.

Temperature Control: Maintain temperatures between 75 and 85°F (24 and 29°C) for optimal germination.

Avoid direct sunlight: Indirect light is best for orchid seeds, as direct sunlight can be too intense.

Provide Optimal Conditions for Germination

There are two ways to germinate orchid seeds. In nature, orchid seeds fall to the ground. However, unlike other plant seeds, orchid seeds do not store nutrients and cannot survive or grow without an external source of nutrients.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Orchid seeds need constant heat and moisture to germinate. Aim for a temperature range of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius) and a humidity level of 70 to 80%.

Light Exposure

Provide bright, indirect light to encourage healthy growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn delicate seedlings.

Care for Orchid Seedlings

Knowing what type of orchid you want is crucial before you start planting. There are three main categories to consider when choosing an orchid: homeowners, gardeners, and those who want to send it as a gift. Homeowners should feel light, water, temperature and humidity.

Water Techniques

Orchid seedlings need careful watering to prevent root rot. Lightly mist the seedlings using a spray bottle, ensuring the growing medium is moist. Water in the morning so excess moisture can evaporate.

Fertilization Schedule

Feed your orchid seedlings every two weeks with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer specially formulated for orchids to provide essential nutrients without overburdening the plants.

planting Seedlings

Orchids should be transplanted when new, every year or two, or when the crowd pushes the roots up and out of the pot. Spring is close-up time. Aside from the occasional watering and fertilizing, you don’t look closely at your orchids unless they bloom.

When to Replace

Orchid seedlings should be transplanted when they develop some leaves and a healthy root system. This usually occurs between 6 and 12 months after germination.

How to Plant Seedlings Safely

Prepare the new pot: Choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with a substrate suitable for growing orchids.

Remove the seedling: Gently loosen the seedling from its current pot, careful not to damage the roots.

Place in a new pot: Place the seedling in the centre of the new pot and fill it with the growing medium.

Water and Adjust: Water the newly planted seedlings and adjust the medium to ensure stability.

Potting Media for Seedling Orchids

When  plant orchid seedlings in containers, use a layered method. Bark and perlite (50/50) on the bottom half, a thin layer of sphagnum moss around the roots and under the leaves. You can use LECA instead of bark if your climate is naturally humid.

However, use bark because it has twice the water content of LECA. This gives you more time between waterings because the bark releases more water for a little longer, so the potting mix doesn’t dry out too quickly. And  know this.

Orchid Pests and Problems

Orchids, like many plants, can encounter a variety of pests and problems. These are some of the common issues that orchid growers often face:

Scale Insects

These small, egg-shaped insects attach to the leaves, stems or pseudobulbs of orchids and suck the plant’s sap. They appear as small bumps and can be mistaken for plant parts. Scale insects can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and weakened plants. They are controlled by suffocation or manual removal using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Mites

These tiny arachnids feed on orchid sap, causing leaf spots and fine webbing. Mites thrive in dry, warm conditions. Increasing humidity, regularly misting your orchids, or using insecticidal soaps can help control their population.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on new shoots, flower buds and the undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. A strong jet of water or insecticidal soap can help eliminate aphids. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can help control aphid populations.

Root rot

Orchid roots can rot. This condition causes the roots to become soft and dark in colour, eventually leading to plant decline. To prevent root rot, ensure adequate drainage and avoid waterlogging of the orchid growing medium.

Methods of propagation

Propagating orchids from seed is quite tricky. Unlike the seeds of other plants, orchid seeds do not have nutrient-storage tissue. To grow, the seed must land where it will find a specific type of fungus that can penetrate its root system and convert the nutrients into a usable form. Against the odds, an orchid seed capsule typically releases millions of microscopic seeds, which can be transported hundreds of miles from the mother plant.

Once you’ve mastered growing orchid seedlings, explore advanced propagation methods such as division, back bulbing, and keiki propagation.

Use Growth Hormone

Growth hormone can improve the development of orchid seedlings. Products containing auxin and cytokinin can stimulate root and shoot growth, resulting in healthier and more vigorous plants.

How to Choose a Healthy Plant when Buying in a Store

Regardless of the type of orchid or where you will place it, the most important thing when selecting an orchid is to ensure it is a healthy plant. You must look for several things to determine whether an orchid is healthy. Here are some things to consider:

Roots: Healthy roots should be green.

Leaves: If most of the leaves are yellow, this indicates that the orchid is dehydrated. A little yellowing is fine, but the leaves should ideally be healthy green. Check the leaves for small holes; this indicates a pest problem. Also, ensure no soft, mushy, or rotten spots are left.

Flowers: Try not to pick orchids that have finished blooming. This is because some closed buds will have flowers in your house within a few weeks.

Conclusion

Growing orchid seedlings is a journey that requires dedication, patience and attention to detail. If you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing beautiful, healthy orchids.

Select the suitable species, provide optimal conditions, and resolve any issues quickly. With time and care, you will enjoy the rewarding experience of watching and admiring orchid seedlings grow into mature plants.