How to Propagate Orchids Successfully, Depending on Type

2024-06-16
How to Propagate Orchids Successfully, Depending on Type

Orchids are a singular group of plants with gorgeous blooms that have inspired superfans and appreciation societies. However, if you want to make more of a favorite variety, how to propagate orchids is a little different than propagating other houseplants. You can’t just snip a cutting and stick it in a pot of rooting medium or glass of water. 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 Kondrat is lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection, where he cares for the nation’s orchid garden.

Types of Orchids to Propagate

“There are over 30,000 naturally occurring species [of orchids] and around 115,000 hybrids that have been registered,” says Justin Kondrat, lead horticulturist for the Smithsonian Garden Orchid Collection in Suitland, Maryland. All those orchids fall into two general growth patterns, and you need to know an orchid’s growth pattern before you propagate it.

Monopodial Orchids

“These orchids grow on a central stem that doesn’t branch out,” Kondrat says. ”They produce flower spikes and aerial roots from that main stem, specifically at the point where leaves join the stem. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, fall into this category, as do vanda orchids.”

“A monopodial orchid reproduces by forming a baby orchid plant called a keiki at its base or on flower spikes after they’ve bloomed,” 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.

Encourage monopodial orchids to make a keiki with a liquid plant hormone called keiki cloning paste. “Scar the orchid stem near its base or on the flower spike and put keiki paste on it,” Kondrat says. “It will trigger the orchid to produce a keiki.”

Sympodial Orchids

These orchids grow new plants from a rhizome or bulb. Cattleyas and oncidiums fall into this orchid category. They usually don’t make a keiki. Their rhizomes make a thickened area called a pseudobulb, where new plant shoots grow, sort of like an iris.

“You propagate these orchids by division like you would with your typical perennial,” Kondrat says. Some sympodial orchids, like dendrobiums, make keikis, but dividing its rhizomes is the most common way to make new plants.

When to Propagate Orchids

Propagate an orchid after it has finished blooming. If a keiki forms sooner on a monopodial orchid, you can cut it off while the plant is blooming and put it in its own pot.

Propagate a sympodial orchid when the plant outgrows its pot. When you see pseudobulbs and new roots and shoots pushing up around the main plant, it’s time to divide the orchid. “You never want to divide a plant that isn’t healthy and thriving,” Kondrat says.

If your orchid looks less than healthy, feed it and get it healthy before you cut it into pieces, which is essentially what you’re doing when you divide the plant. “Dividing an orchid disturbs it, so do it in conjunction with repotting it,” Kondrat says.

How to Propagate Orchids

Here’s how to make new plants from your mature orchids.

Propagation by Keiki

Once a keiki has three or four roots, it’s ready to be cut off the parent plant. Use a clean and sharp cutting tool like snips or a knife to cut the keiki from the flower spike. Place the keiki in a small pot with orchid growing medium. If it’s a small keiki, pot it in sphagnum moss, Kondrat says. Keep the medium or moss moist, but don’t overwater.

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 type of orchid. Cut the plant apart with a sharp cutting tool, separating the divisions. Place each division in a small pot with sphagnum moss and keep it moist, but don’t overwater, Konrat advises.

How to Fertilize Keikis or Divisions

Wait a month before fertilizing the newly potted keiki or division. Konrat says, “I would give them a little time to settle, just so they can get themselves anchored. Once the roots elongate, they’ll have more surface area to absorb nutrients.” Konrat recommends using a fertilizer formulated for orchids with an N-P-K nutrient ratio of 20-20-20, diluted to 20 percent of the recommended amount.  

Kondrat also recommends using diluted fertilizer throughout an orchid’s life, not just when starting a new plant. “When you think about how an orchid grows in the native environment, it’s constantly getting a little bit of food here and there when a bird flies by and poops on it or when stuff drips from the bark on the trunk that it’s growing on,” Kondrat says. Duplicate that by giving your orchid weak fertilizer constantly during spring, summer, and early fall, he says.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.