cloning process (no gene exchange). Examples of asexual reproduction methods include the use of cuttings, plantlets (keiki), grafting, layering, and tissue culture, among others.
In this experiment, four types of orchids, coleus [Plectranthus scutellarioides L. R.Br.] and spider plant [Plectranthus scutellarioides (Thunb.) Jacques] were used. Orchid used in this experiment include three types of Epidendrum (Epi. secundum, Epi. Burtonii and Epi. Orange Passion) and one species of Vanilla (Vanilla chamissonis Klotzsch). Cuttings of these orchids were made, using sphagnum moss as a medium substrate. Orchid cuttings and sphagnum moss was wrapped with a piece of clear plastic film and kept in clear plastic tubs. One third of Epidendrum cuttings were treated with rooting powder, containing rooting hormone, to investigate its effect on orchid rooting.
Similarly, cuttings of coleus were made and they were inserted into a plastic tub filled with moist vermiculite or perlite. Plantlets of spider plants were removed from the mother plant and placed on the surface of moist vermiculite or perlite in a plastic tub. After placing cuttings or plantlets, tubs were covered with a piece of clear plastic film.
In all cases, the orchids responded to the treatment within the ten-day research period while not propagated. As for the houseplants, both species types utilized were successfully propagated, but not all of the propagules survived. Overall, the cuttings and plantlets performed better with vermiculite substrate and had the higher success rates (Figure 1).
For the future, I plan to enroll at Kentucky State University to finish my study on orchid plant propagation and to explore why different substrates perform better when utilized with particular types of propagation methods. Also, more work is needed to understand why the success rate varies across the different plant species type, why progress is inconsistent and which mix of factors leads to the highest propagation rates.