Get expert tips on how to propagate orchids according to their growth patterns.
Peter Krumhardt
Orchids are a singular group ofplants with gorgeous bloomsthat have inspired superfans and appreciation societies.
You cant just snip a cutting and stick it in a pot of rooting medium or glass of water.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Orchids take more work and the technique to use depends on their growth pattern.
This guide covers the two main propagation methods: keikis and division.
Justin Kondratis lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection, where he cares for the nations orchid garden.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Monopodial Orchids
These orchids grow on a central stem that doesnt branch out, Kondrat says.
Keiki is a Hawaiian word that means baby.
To propagate the orchid, remove this baby orchid and put it in its own pot.
Credit:Greg Scheidemann
Encourage monopodial orchids to make a keiki with a liquid plant hormone called keiki cloning paste.
It will trigger the orchid to produce a keiki.
Greg Scheidemann
Sympodial Orchids
These orchids grow new plants from a rhizome or bulb.
Cattleyas and oncidiums fall into this orchid category.
They usually dont make a keiki.
Their rhizomes make a thickened area called apseudobulb,where new plant shoots grow, sort oflike an iris.
You propagate these orchids bydivision like you would with your typical perennial, Kondrat says.
When to Propagate Orchids
Propagate an orchid after it has finished blooming.
Propagate a sympodial orchid when the plant outgrows its pot.
You never want to divide a plant that isnt healthy and thriving, Kondrat says.
Dividing an orchid disturbs it, so do it in conjunction withrepotting it, Kondrat says.
How to Propagate Orchids
Heres how to make new plants from your mature orchids.
Use a clean andsharp cutting toollike snips or a knife to cut the keiki from the flower spike.
Place the keiki in a small pot with orchid growing medium.
Propagation by Division
Gently remove the orchid from its pot.
Look at the plant to identify the pseudobulbs that will make good divisions.
They should have new leaves or shoots growing out of them and some roots beginning to form.
A good-sized division has three to five pseudobulbs, depending on the jot down of orchid.
How to Fertilize Keikis or Divisions
Wait a month before fertilizing the newly potted keiki or division.
Once the roots elongate, theyll have more surface area to absorb nutrients.
Kondrat also recommends using diluted fertilizer throughout an orchids life, not just when starting a new plant.
