Svetlana Makarova / Getty Images
Propagating orchids is not as difficult as it seems.
The four methods of orchid propagation most likely to be successful for home gardeners are described below.
Be patient, a newly propagated orchid takes time to reach maturity and flower.
Svetlana Makarova / Getty Images
Propagation Methods for the Types of Orchids
Orchids have two distinct growth patterns.
These orchids are propagated by division and back bulbs.
Monopodial orchidssuch asphalaenopsisandvandagrow taller each year from one central stem.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
To propagate this plant, divide the aerial roots or remove and pot any keikis.
Before Getting Started
Working hands-on with orchids requires a clean environment.
Clean and sterilize a flat work surface as well asall your tools.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
Ease it from the pot by pulling gently, taking care to avoid damaging pseudobulbs and roots.
You may find one or more leads attached.
These “leads” are rhizomes showing active growth and will have stems with developing leaves and pseudobulbs.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
Remove Young Pseudobulbs
Leave three or four rhizomes attached to the main rhizome.
Rhizomes without rootsor any sign of new growth are the back bulbs.
Set these aside if you want to try propagating your orchid with these older rhizomes.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
Alternatively, leave them attached to your division.
As long as the pseudobulbs are green, they will continue to take up nutrients to support the division.
While this step is optional, keep in mind that sterile surfaces boost your chances of successful propagation.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
Hold back on watering until you see a new leaf and withhold fertilizer until new roots appear.
Then move the orchid to its permanent location and start a regular maintenance schedule.
You won’t see leaves and the sheath will appear dry and papery.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
To be viable, though, the pseudobulb should remain green and have one or two eyes.
Cut between the inactive rhizome and the one next to it.
Position the back bulb on a layer of sphagnum moss at the bottom of a pot.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
As soon as an eye begins to develop, pot up the pseudobulb in a small pot.
Withhold water and fertilizer until new roots appear.
Then place the new orchid in its permanent location and start aregular care routine for an established orchid.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
How to Propagate Orchid Keikis
Propagation with keikisis the same no matter the orchid bang out.
It takes between one to three years for the new plant to produce a bloom.
Cut the main stem above the junction of the keiki and below the longest root on the keiki.
Review the growing conditions including watering and fertilizing.
Changing potting mixes is also a potential stress factor.
Pot the Keiki
Place the keiki in a small pot with a fine orchid growing medium.
Keep the medium moist but avoid overwatering.
Taking care not to damage the aerial roots, remove the orchid from its pot.
Gently grasp the plant at its base and turn the pot upside down shaking out loose potting medium.
Locate Root Groups
The newest roots will appear highest up on the stem.
Look for older roots that have clumped or formed acorm-like ball.
Brush away any remaining potting mix.
Then trim any small roots from the top of the corm-like structure.
The top, cut surface of the root ball should be above the planting medium.
Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles in a location with plenty of bright indirect light.
Keep the pot moist but avoid overwatering.
Once the orchid is actively growing, switch to a regularly scheduled care routine.
Some growers recommend soaking the roots in tepid water prior to potting.
Or water thoroughly after planting, draining away any excess water.
