Orchids are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular flowers. If you thought getting them to bloom every year was the best thing to aim for, you probably haven’t tried propagating them and seeing how the smaller specimens grow.
There are several methods of propagating orchids, and almost all of them, if done correctly, allow us to reproduce our favorite plants almost continuously.
Orchids can be propagated by cuttings from a mother plant or a keiki . Below we explain how to do it.
Propagate orchids with the Keiki
A keiki is a seedling that grows on the trunk of an orchid, giving us a great opportunity to propagate it. The new plant is an exact replica of the mother plant because it is created through asexual reproduction (without pollinators). The keiki are born naturally, but it is also possible to help the plant create them and below we explain how.
HOW TO MAKE AN ORCHID A KEIKI
When the orchid has finished flowering, we must cut off the flower stalk just above the collar of the plant. We peel the “knot” area lightly, doing so very carefully. This way it stays in contact with the air and a keiki could be born.
WIE MAN EIN KEIKI PFLANZT
When the keiki roots have reached a length of 4-5 centimeters, they can be transplanted. Plant keikis in the same pot as the mother plant so both have the same growing conditions and humidity.
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Cut the keiki about 3-5 from the stem of the flower and plant it in the same pot. The roots should point downward and be lightly covered with soil. The piece of flower stem that we cut also needs to be buried. It can be folded into the ground like 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 container about 8 centimeters deep. Fill it with sand or sphagnum, both well moistened.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a stem about 30 centimeters from the mother plant. Divide into several 3-inch sections, making sure each cutting has a dormant bud.
- Add moss or sand to the bowl and moisten it. Place the cuttings in the tray, cover with plastic wrap and store in a place at 15°C and away from direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks you can increase the temperature to around 24-30 degrees. Remember to sprinkle water on the tray to keep it consistently moist, but don’t overdo it.
- Once shoots and roots have formed, cut the cutting back with a sharp knife.
- Get a few small pots to plant the new seedlings in. It is ideal to plant them in a mixture of bark, volcanic soil and well-moistened spagnum moss.
- Plant the orchid with the buds facing up.
- Place the new orchids hatched with thalers in a bright place but not exposed to the sun.
- Water regularly, but do not overdo it to prevent the plant from rotting.
- Keep the plant in a humid environment and away from direct heat sources.