Orchids are undoubtedly among the most beautiful and appreciated flowers. If you thought that flowering them every year is the best thing to aspire to, you probably haven’t tried to propagate them and see how smaller plants grow.

There are various methods to propagate orchids, and almost all of them, if done correctly, allow us to be able to reproduce our favorite plants in an almost perpetual way.

Orchids can be propagated through the cutting of a mother plant or keiki. Below we explain how to do it.

Propagating 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). Keiki is born naturally, but it is also possible to help the plant generate them, and below we explain how.

How to get a keiki from an orchid

When the orchid has finished blooming, we must cut the floral stem just above the collar of the plant. We lightly peel the area of the “knot”, being very careful. In this way it will remain in contact with the air and a keiki could be born.

How to plant a keiki

When the keiki roots have reached a length of 4-5 centimeters, they can be replanted. Plant the keiki in the same pot as the mother plant, so that they can 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 should be facing downwards and lightly covered with soil. The piece of floral stem that we have cut will also have to be buried. It can be folded into the potting soil as if it were an anchor.

Once grown, the keiki can be separated from the mother plant, taking 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.

1. Cut a stem of about 30 centimeters from the mother plant, using a sharp knife. Divide it into several 7-centimeter sections, making sure that each cutting has a dormant bud.
2. Place the 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.
3. After a few weeks you can increase the temperature to about 24-30 degrees, remembering to spray water on the tray to keep it constantly moist, but without overdoing it.
4. Once shoots and roots have formed, cut the cutting again using a sharp knife.
5. Get small pots in which to plant the new seedlings. Ideally, you should plant them in a mix of bark, volcanic soil, and well-moistened Spagnum moss.
6. Plant the orchid with the shoots facing upwards.
7. Place the new orchids reproduced with the talle in a bright place but not exposed to sunlight.
8. Water regularly, but don’t overdo it to prevent the plant from rotting.
9. Keep the plant in a humid environment and away from direct heat sources.

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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 medical advice is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, you do not assume responsibility for it. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.