Orchids  are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and popular flowers, and if you thought getting them to bloom every year was the best you could 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 taking 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 stem 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 to generate them and below we explain how.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORCHID INTO A KEIKI

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

WIE MAN EIN KEIKI PFLANZT

When the keiki roots reach a length of 4-5 centimeters, they can be transplanted. Plant keikis in the same pot as the mother plant so that both have the same growing conditions and moisture.

Cut the keiki about 3-5 from the stem of the flower and plant it in the same pot. The roots should point downwards and be lightly covered with soil. The piece of flower stem that we cut must also be buried. It folds into the ground like an anchor.

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

How to propagate orchids with cuttings

To cut the stem of the plant and remove the cuttings, we need a waterproof container with a depth of about 8 centimeters. Fill it with sand or sphagnum, both well moistened.

1. Using a sharp knife, cut a stem about 30 centimeters from the mother plant. Divide it into several 7-centimeter sections, making sure that each cutting has a dormant bud.
2. Put moss or sand in the tray and moisten it. Place the cuttings in the tray, cover with plastic wrap and store in a place at 15 °C and protected from direct sunlight.
3. After a few weeks, you can increase the temperature to about 24-30 degrees. Remember to sprinkle water on the tray to keep it constantly moist, but don’t overdo it.
4. Once shoots and roots have formed, cut the cutting back with a sharp knife.
5. Get some 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.
6. Plant the orchid with the buds facing upwards.
7. Place the new orchids hatched with thalers in a bright place, but not exposed to the sun.
8. Water regularly, but do not overdo it so that the plant does not rot.
9. Keep the plant in a humid environment and away from direct heat sources.