How To Propagate Orchids? 04 Methods To Grow Orchids

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at propagating orchids? If you’re a gardener or plant lover curious about the process, this guide is perfect for you.

Propagating orchids can seem hard. But it is pretty easy to follow a few steps and wait for them to grow.

In this post, we will tell you how to propagate orchids. We will give you step-by-step instructions and helpful tips so that you can have beautiful orchids in your home.

So, everything you need to know about how easy it is to make your gardening hobby last long. You can learn how to keep your plants healthy with special ways of growing them.

Pre-Propagation Considerations 

Before you can start propagating orchids, there are a few considerations to remember. Let’s see what those essential things are:

Choose The Correct Type of Orchid

Different varieties of orchids need different ways to grow. Some orchids grow best when the plant is divided into smaller pieces. Others can be grown from seeds.

Before buying an orchid, pick the kind that is best for what you need.

Choose The Right Medium 

The soil for your orchids needs to be special. It should be loose, not too tight. It also needs to drain water away well and have enough nutrients for the orchids to grow.

As soil, you can use bark chips, sphagnum moss, and coco coir.

Materials Needed For Successful Propagation

With all the steps out of the way, it’s time to propagate orchids. Here are some basic materials you will need:

• A pair of scissors or pruning shears
• Sterile razor blade (or sharp knife)
• Potting mix for orchids
• Plant containers
• Potting soil
• Pliers (for planting)

Select Healthy & Mature Specimens

When you are getting ready to plant orchids, pick healthy and strong plants. Look for signs it is growing, like new flowers coming out, green leaves, and unsoft roots.

Also, choose mature plants and avoid those that are too young. It will give you a better chance of success when propagating orchids.

How to Propagate and Grow Orchids? Step-by-Step Guide

Now it’s time to get into the nitty gritty and learn to propagate your orchid. There are various methods to propagate plants like orchids:

• Division
• Backbulbs
• Keiki
• Stem Cuttings
• Aerial Root Division

Let’s discuss them one by one and what are important steps as well.

Propagation By Division

The division is a great way to propagate orchids since it only requires the plant and some essential tools. This method can create multiple smaller plants from one large one.

Take the Sympodial Orchid Out

First, take the mother plant out of its pot. Gently shake off extra soil from the leaves and roots. Then, look for signs of division on the plant’s rhizome (the middle part between the leaves).

Analyze the Pseudobulbs and Roots

Once you take the orchid out of its pot, look at it carefully. Look that are big and firm and hold their roots.

Then look at the roots – they should be healthy and white with no signs of rotting.

Take out the young, small bulbs

Look at the plant carefully. Look for small bulbs and take them off. Check if the new plants have healthy parts, like leaves, roots, and pseudobulbs. If not, then leave them in the pot they were in.

Remove Young Pseudobulbs

When you spot the new buds, cut them away with scissors or pruning shears. Be careful not to break the roots or leaves.

Repot New Plants

Now that you have the new growth in your hand, you must put them in pots. Get a container and fill it with potting mix made for orchids. Put each plant in its pot.

Keep the roots tight enough, or they might rot.

Back Bulbs Propagation Method

Backbulbs are an easy way to propagate orchids without dividing the plant. You need extra materials like potting mix, a container, and scissors (or pruning shears).

When you use back bulbs for orchids, you take off one or two of the older stems and plant them. It will help to produce new stems.

The best way to grow Phalaenopsis orchids is with keiki, which are small plants that come from the top of an orchid leaf. They are created when the plant produces a special hormone.

Identify Viable Back Bulbs

To identify viable back bulbs, look for firm pseudobulbs with their roots. Also, make sure there is no sign of rot on the pseudobulb.

Cut a Notch of the Back Bulb Rhizome

Make sure the pseudobulb has its roots. If it does, you can use a special knife or razor blade to make a small cut on the back of it. Be careful and use a sharp, clean knife or blade.

It will help the plant grow and make it more likely to live.

Remove the Back Bulb

After you make the notch, take out the sprouted bulb. You can do this with your hands or some pliers. Be careful not to break the roots or leaves when you take it out.

Pot the New Plant 

After you have removed the back bulb, pot it in a sterile orchid mix. Ensure to water it regularly (but only a few times) and give it enough light and humidity.

Propagation By Orchid Keiki

Orchids from keikis are tiny plants that grow on the top of a plant stem. They can be used to propagate orchids and increase their populations.

Identify Healthy Keikis

Keikis are tiny. Check the stems and leaves of your orchids. If you see very small buds on the tops of stems, they could be keikis.

Remove the Keiki From the Plant 

Find a healthy baby orchid plant. Gently take it off the plant. Use your hands or pliers, but avoid breaking the stem or roots.

Treat Cut Surfaces

Take a little piece of the parent plant. Put something on the cut part to keep it from getting sick. It will help your new plants stay healthy.

Pot the New Keiki

Now that you have detached the keiki from the plant pot put it in a sterile orchid mix. Make sure to water it regularly (but only a few times) and give it enough light and humidity.

Stem Cuttings

To make more orchids, you can use stem cuttings. It’s easy, and it won’t cost much. You need the stem of your chosen orchid and some special dirt for planting.

Cut the Stem and Pot it

Look for a stem with roots. Cut the stem from the main plant. Put it in potting mix and cover it. Do not water it yet; let it adjust first to its new home.

Root Stimulant

Use a root stimulant if you want your plants to do even better. Root stimulants help the plant make its roots faster and stronger.

Water and Light

Once you put your stem cutting in a pot, it needs water and light. Make sure to give it only a little water. Some orchids need more than others.

Also, make sure the plant gets enough light so that its roots will grow strong.

And there you have it!

Aerial Root Division

Aerial root division is a good way to make more orchids. The orchid will grow special roots from the stem, not the pot. It is when you can use Aerial root division.

Remove the Parent Orchid From Its Pot

First, take the orchid out of its pot. Be careful not to break or damage any roots. Cut off any extra roots and make sure they look healthy.

Remove and Trim the Older Root Ball

After the parent orchid is out of the pot, remove the older root ball and trim it. Make sure to cut off any dead or damaged roots.

Divide the Plant Into Two Sections

Now that you have removed and trimmed the root ball divide it into two sections. Place one section in a new pot with a fresh orchid mixture.

Pot the Separated Root Section

After dividing the orchid, put the root section in a pot with a new orchid mixture. Give it water and enough light so it can grow strong.

Growing orchids is easy and fun! You can try different ways like stem cuttings, root division, back bulbs, keiki, or division. And it’s free! Give it a go, and have fun!

It is easy to grow orchids! Use these methods, and you will have lots of orchids in no. They will look amazing, and everyone will love them.

Don’t wait – start now.

When to Propagate an Orchid? 

It is best to propagate orchids when the plant grows, usually in spring and summer. However, it can also be done any time of year using a special method like stem cuttings or root division.

Make sure you grow a new orchid and take care of it. Put it in a place with enough light, water, and humidity. If you do this correctly, you can grow more beautiful orchids! 

Have fun growing them! 

Which Propagation Method is Most Effective For Orchids?

Orchids can be propagated through an easy method that is called division. It means you take the root system and separate it into pieces.

Each piece will have enough food, light, and water to be healthy and strong. Other ways to grow orchids are stem cuttings or back bulbs. But there might need to be a different method as per orchid collections.

Research shows that the best way to grow orchids depends on what type of orchid it is. Various types of orchids need different ways to make more. 

Phalaenopsis and Cattleya can be grown from stem cuttings or baby plants called Keikis. Dendrobium and Oncidium should be split into two or more parts. Vanda and Ascocenda need stem cuttings. Aerides and Angraecum use back bulbs or Keikis.

The best way to make more orchids depends on the type of orchid you have

Benefits of Propagating Orchids

Propagating orchids has many benefits. It is a cost-effective way to increase your collection, as you don’t need to buy any new plants. Plus, it’s fun and rewarding!

Let’s have a look at some others below:

More Orchids!

Propagating orchids is a good way to have more plants. You can give some away as presents and keep some for yourself. It is also cheaper than buying more plants because you do not need many materials.

Disease Prevention

Propagating orchids is a way to help keep them healthy. When you divide the plant into sections, it won’t spread any diseases. It will make sure your orchids stay healthy for a long time.

Easy Maintenance 

Growing orchids is easy. You can take care of them for a short time. If the orchid grows too big, divide it into smaller pieces and put each in its pot.

Propagated Orchids Care 

Once your propagated orchids live in their new home, you must ensure they receive special care. Here are some after tips that you can use for the care of your orchids:

Select the Right Potting Mix 

You should know that the potting mix soil is much important. Choose one made for orchids and ensure it has good drainage.

Watering and Humidity Requirements 

Orchids require to be watered often. Give them water every couple of days. Also, ensure the air around your orchid is about 50% humid.

Fertilizer Usage

To keep your orchids healthy, you need to fertilize them. Use fertilizer made for orchids, and make sure to use the right amount. You usually only need to fertilize once a month.

Light Exposure

Orchids need bright light to be happy and healthy. Put your orchid near a window but not in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can hurt the leaves.

Monitoring for pests and diseases

Be careful with bugs and diseases in the garden. If you see any, call the local nursery or garden center right away to get help.

Propagating orchids is easy. You can do it in your own home! Have fun watching them easier to grow, and ensure you care for them so they stay healthy.

Final Thoughts

Propagating orchids is a good way to get new plants. It’s easy and not too costly. You can watch your plants grow, which is fun.

With some care and proper technique, you can successfully grow healthy and happy orchids in no time.

What are you waiting for? Start growing orchids now and enjoy the beauty of nature!

Have fun growing!

FAQ’s