Techniques for production of quality planting materials in orchids

Among orchids, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Vanda, Phalaenopsis, Aerides, Mokara and Paphiopedilum and their related hybrids are highly valued for long lasting cut flowers. The six main techniques used for orchid propagation are division, backbulbs, serial cuttings, kiekies, micro-propagation and seed culture. Conventionally, sympodial orchids like Cattleya, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum and Cymbidium are multiplied through divisions whereas monopodials viz. Vanda, Aerides, Arachnis, Mokara etc. through cuttings. Tissue culture using meristem and shoot tips as explants used for production of  disease free quality planting materials for all types of orchids in large scale. Seed culture is an important field in orchid culture with many hybrids and intergeneric crosses being bred to exhibit new and different physical characteristics.