Reproduce orchids: how to do it

Generally, orchids, once they reach adulthood, a time that usually occurs between two and three years from birth, will produce bulbs with which to reproduce the orchid again. Reproduce orchids by bulbs It is not very complicated, you just have to follow the steps listed here:

1. Divide the plant into groups of 3-4 bulbs. It is recommended that the plant has a good base support and several bulbs to ensure rooting. For safety, it is better that you do not discard bulbs that you see in poor condition, simply plant them together with the rest.
2. Prune roots that are older or in poor condition. It is very important to sanitize the orchid before transplanting them. If possible, use fungicides to avoid possible diseases. In case you don’t have any specific commercial on hand, you can also use cinnamon powder. In this other EcologíaVerde article we show you more homemade fungicides for orchids.
3. Prepare the container or pot where you are going to transplant the bulbs. Remember that in this case it is not necessary for it to be transparent, but it does have to have several holes to facilitate drainage. Add your own substrate for orchids. Another curious fact regarding which container to use for your orchids occurs in the case of Vanda orchids, which prefer a hanging basket to favor the growth of their aerial roots.
4. Now plant the bulbs again trying to keep them straight. Add more substrate, but don’t pack it down too much. It is better that the plant, even when attached, has room to grow freely.
5. During the first days it is better to hydrate the orchid using a sprayer. This process should be done up to three times a week.
6. After two to three weeks the bulbs will have started to generate new shoots, so you only need to choose the final container in which to plant your new orchids.

Another way to reproduce these plants is through cuttings, which can be taken by taking advantage of some pruning of the orchid, as long as the stems or cuttings are not from diseased parts. For reproduce orchids by cuttingsfollow these steps:

1. Before you start you should sharpen your pruning tools, disinfect them and prepare a tray about 8 centimeters deep that you should fill with damp moss or previously moistened sand.
2. The stem to be cut to create your orchid cutting must be at least 30 centimeters long and you must always make the cut near the base. Using the scissors, divide the stem into several sections. Make sure that the cuts are approximately 7 centimeters long and that they have a bud for their next germination.
3. Place the cuttings on the tray and cover them by wrapping them with polyurethane plastic. It is necessary that once you have covered the cuttings and they are arranged in the moist bed of moss or sand, place the tray in a cool place that does not receive direct sunlight.
4. Once several weeks have passed, place the tray in a place with a higher temperature, around 25ºC.
5. Hydrate the cuttings by using a sprayer to apply the water at least two days a week. They can also use fertilizers, with an interval of at least two weeks, until the cuttings develop leaves and roots.
6. Once the cuttings have developed new shoots and roots, carefully cut the roots and transplant your new orchid into the pot you have chosen for it. Don’t forget to use pine bark or orchid substrate. I also recommend that the pot you choose is small to increase flowering.

The orchid family is one of the most evolved in the natural world, which is why it has so many ways to reproduce. To end this article on how to reproduce orchidswe teach you a new type of reproduction: the keikis.

Keikis in orchids: what they are and how to get them

Orchids are also capable of reproduce asexually. This method of reproduction consists in the appearance of a new floral wand which is called keiki, which is nothing more than an identical copy of the mother plant. Normally, it is the result of a stimulation process caused by a cut of a floral stem above a node after flowering. Hormones can also be used so that, once the cut is made and the stem is left in the open air, root production is faster.

Although the appearance of the keikis is more typical of orchids such as the dendrobium Y Epidendrumwe can easily find them also in orchids Phalaenopsiswhich are the most popular and easy to find.

Finally, keikis may be born from aged flower stems, so it is recommended not to remove them so that the plant continues its growth naturally.

How to plant the Keikis of the orchids for their reproduction

1. The aerial roots of the keiki should measure about 3 or 4 centimeters before proceeding to separate them from the mother plant. It is also important that it has at least three leaves and that the height of the sucker or keiki exceeds 10 centimeters.
2. Once we verify that the keiki meets all these points, it will be separated from the mother plant using previously disinfected tools. Be careful when extracting it as the roots are very fragile.
3. Finally, you just have to plant it in its new pot that incorporates pine bark and a little moistened moss. Spray and water sparingly until it begins to root. You can also use a stake once it is rooted to provide more support for your new orchid.

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