4: Select the orchid you want to propagate. The orchid must have an inflorescent/flower stem that has just began flowering or has half of the flowers open. Cut the stem from the plant using a sterile razor blade.
5: Place the cut stem in the prepared rectangle tray of bleach solution.
6: Gently scrub the stem from the bottom up to the top with the soft sterilized toothbrush. Don't brush too hard, or you will damage the dormant bud. Place the stem back in the tray.
7: Place the tray containing the stem into the flasking case.
8: Once in the case, prepare the stems for propagation. Cut the stem 1" above and below each bud at an angle with a sterile razor blade. Gently remove the covering over the bud with a sterile razor blade. Place the prepared stem in the flask with the bleach mixture and let it soak for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. After the stems are in the tubes, keep them at about room temperature, 70-75 F, so the air in the tube does not expand and contract and suck in contaminents.
9: Remove the stem from the flask and cut off about 1/8" of each end. Using the tweezers, place the stem inside a prepared culture tube, inserting it into the medium until the bud just touches the media. Replace the stopper and set the tube in the growing rack. Place one cutting per tube to reduce the risk of contamination.
10: Label your tubes so you know what plant is in it.
11: Place the rack into the growing room or the area you have prepared.
12: If everything is done right, in a few weeks you will see tiny leaves growing in the tubes. You can expect 1 to 4 growths per bud.
13: When the leaves are 1/2" to 3/4" long and the roots 1-1/2" long, take the little plants out of their tube and plant in individual little pots or a community pot. Do not let the little plants dry out.
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