Orchid without a growth point

Sometimes it happens that an orchid loses its growth point. This can occur for various reasons, including rot, physical damage, or drying of the growth point. An orchid without a growth point requires special care, as it will not be able to continue growing normally. However, this does not mean the plant is doomed — there are ways to help save an orchid without a growth point and give it a chance for further development.

How to save an orchid without a growth point?

1. Assess the condition of the plant

First of all, assess the overall condition of your orchid. If it has no growth point, it is important to determine whether there are healthy roots and leaves. If the orchid has no roots and growth point, it makes the task significantly more difficult, but it is still possible to try to resuscitate the orchid.

2. Stimulate keiki formation

When an orchid loses its growth point, one possible way to save it is to stimulate the formation of keikis (baby plants). A keiki is a small shoot that can appear on the stem or flower spike of the orchid. To do this, you can use cytokinin paste, which is applied to the nodes of the flower spike. This will help stimulate the formation of new shoots, which can eventually grow into independent plants.

3. Care for the remaining parts of the plant

If the growth point has died, it is important to pay attention to the remaining leaves and roots. Provide the orchid with stable temperature, humidity, and lighting. Make sure the plant is not stressed, and use fertilizers specifically designed for orchids to support the health of the remaining parts.

4. Transplanting and root restoration

If your orchid has no roots and growth point, it is important to stimulate the formation of new roots. Use sphagnum moss or a special orchid substrate that will maintain the necessary moisture. Place the orchid in a small greenhouse or cover it with a plastic container to create high humidity, which promotes root growth.

Resuscitating an orchid without a growth point but with a flower spike

If your orchid still has a flower spike, this can be key to its salvation. The flower spike can be used to stimulate the formation of keikis. Apply cytokinin paste to several nodes of the flower spike — this will help awaken dormant buds and stimulate the formation of new shoots. Thus, even an orchid without a growth point can start to develop through new keikis, which can eventually be separated and rooted.

Frequently asked questions

• 1. Can an orchid without a growth point be saved?

Yes, an orchid without a growth point still has a chance of survival. You can try to stimulate the formation of keikis on the flower spike, as well as provide optimal conditions for root recovery.

• 2. What to do if an orchid has no growth point?

If an orchid has no growth point, it is necessary to focus on stimulating keiki formation and maintaining the health of the remaining parts of the plant. Using cytokinin paste and creating greenhouse conditions can help the plant recover.

• 3. What are the chances of resuscitating an orchid without a growth point?

The chances depend on the overall condition of the plant. If the orchid has healthy roots and leaves, the likelihood of successful recovery is higher. If it has no roots and growth point, the resuscitation process will be more difficult, but not impossible.

Conclusion

An orchid without a growth point is a serious challenge for any grower, but do not despair. Understanding how to act in such a situation can help you save the plant and give it a second chance. Use cytokinin paste to stimulate keiki formation, create optimal conditions for root recovery, and care for the health of the remaining parts of the plant. With patience and proper care, even an orchid without a growth point can begin to grow again and delight you with its beauty.