How to propagate orchids so you don’t have to buy them anymore
Orchids are undoubtedly among the most beautiful and appreciated flowers . If you thought that having them flower every year was the best you could hope for, you probably haven’t tried propagating them yet and seeing how the smaller specimens grow.
There are various methods for propagating orchids , and almost all of them, if done correctly, allow us to reproduce our favorite plants almost perpetually.
Orchids can be propagated through cuttings from a mother plant or keiki . Below we explain how to do it.
Propagate orchids with keiki
A keiki is a seedling that grows on the stem of an orchid plant, and offers us an excellent opportunity to propagate it. The new plant is an exact replica of the mother plant, as it is produced by asexual reproduction (without pollinators). The keiki grows naturally, but it is also possible to help the plant generate them, and below we will explain how.
How to get a keiki from an orchid
When the orchid has finished flowering we must cut the floral stem just above the collar of the plant. We lightly peel the “knot” area, being very careful. This way it will remain in contact with the air and a keiki could be born.
How to plant a keiki
When the roots of the keiki have reached a length of 4-5 centimeters, they can be replanted. Plant keiki in the same pot as the mother plant, so that they both have the same growing conditions and humidity.
Cut the keiki about 3-5 from the flower stem and plant it in the same pot. The roots must be facing downwards and lightly covered with soil. The piece of flower stem we cut will also need to be buried. It can be bent into the soil as if it were an anchor.
Once grown, the keiki can be separated from the mother plant with great care.
How to propagate orchids with cuttings
To cut the stem of the plant and remove the cuttings we need a waterproof tray about 8 centimeters deep. Fill it with sand or Sphagum moss, both well moistened.
- Cut a stem about 30 centimeters from the mother plant, using a sharp knife. Divide it into several 3-inch sections, making sure each cutting has a dormant bud.
- Place moss or sand in the tray and moisten. Place the cuttings in the tray, then cover with plastic and store in a place at 15°C, away from direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks you can increase the temperature to around 24-30 degrees, remembering to spray water on the tray to keep it constantly moist, but without overdoing it.
- Once shoots and roots have formed, cut the cutting again using a sharp knife.
- Get some small pots in which to plant the new plants. The ideal is to plant them in a mix of bark, volcanic soil and well-moistened Spagnum moss.
- Plant the orchid with the shoots pointing upwards.
- Place the newly propagated orchids with stems in a bright place but not exposed to sunlight.
- Water regularly, but without exaggerating to prevent the plant from rotting.
- Keep the plant in a humid environment and away from direct heat sources.
Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which the advice of a doctor is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, it does not assume responsibility. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.