Propagating Orchids

How can you propagate an orchid?

Do you want to propagate your own orchid? Orchids are not the easiest plants to propagate, especially for beginners, but with the right method and some patience, it is possible to grow your own orchids.

Our grower Rob has years of experience with propagating orchids. In our nursery in Naaldwijk, we propagate the orchids ourselves. If you want young, healthy orchids, it’s best to buy orchids in our shop. Still want to propagate orchids yourself? Then read on. Below, Rob shares his best tips for propagating orchids.

Tips for propagating orchids

There are several ways to propagate an orchid. Which one depends on the type of orchid. There are many different orchids, but in this article, we discuss the most common ways to propagate: keiki propagation, dormant eye propagation, and rhizome division.

Keiki propagation

A common way to propagate an orchid is via a keiki, a young plant that grows on the mother plant. The Phalaenopsis is also propagated using this method. Wait until the keiki has roots of at least 6 cm. Carefully remove it from the mother plant and place it in a new pot with bark. Ensure a stable ambient temperature and provide enough water to let the young plant grow. Follow the steps below to propagate your orchid using the keiki method.

1. Take your time

Wait until the keiki has roots of at least 6 cm. Make sure the keiki is healthy.

2. Removing the keiki

Use a sterile knife to carefully cut the keiki away from the mother plant. Make sure to include some roots.

3. Potting

Place the keiki in a pot with airy orchid potting soil (such as bark).

4. Care

Water regularly, provide indirect sunlight, and keep the humidity stable. Read all our orchid care tips here.

Tip! In another blog, we tell you everything about a keiki. Read our blog What is a keiki? here.

Dormant eye propagation

Another method is using a dormant eye, a bud from which no branch has yet grown. This eye can be carefully removed and grown into a new plant. The process requires sterile tools and patience, as the eye needs some time to grow. Here is a step-by-step plan for propagating an orchid via a dormant eye:

1. Identify a dormant eye

Look for a bud from which no branch has yet grown, often found on the stem of the orchid.

2. Careful removal

Use a sterile knife or tweezers to remove the top layer of the eye, so that a bud becomes visible.

3. Propagating the eye

Place the eye in airy orchid potting soil and keep it moist.

4. Water and light

Ensure the right amount of light and moisture so the new cutting can grow. You can also provide extra nutrition.

Rhizome division

For certain orchids such as the Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium, rhizome division is a suitable method. The rhizome is divided into sections, each with enough roots and new shoots. Place each section in a separate pot and provide the right care. Here is a step-by-step plan for propagating an orchid via rhizome division:

1. Choose a healthy plant

Choose a mature orchid with multiple side shoots and healthy roots

2. Remove from the pot

Carefully remove the orchid from the pot and shake the excess potting soil off the roots.

3. Divide the rhizome

Use sterile tweezers or a knife to cut the rhizome into pieces, each with at least one shoot and roots.

4. Repotting

Place each part in a separate pot with orchid potting soil. This is tree bark or orchid bark. The orchid cannot grow in normal soil. Read more about this in our blog repotting orchids.

5. Care

Water, and check light and humidity for good growth.

Tips from the experts

At Kolibri Company, grower Rob propagates orchids in our nursery in Naaldwijk. If you find this process too difficult as a hobbyist, you can always buy healthy young orchids in the store or on our webshop. Still want to get started yourself? Then ensure a stable temperature, sterile working conditions, and above all, a lot of patience. You now have the knowledge and a good foundation to propagate your own orchid. Propagation is a process that takes time and experience, but practice makes perfect, especially with the right preparation. Have fun propagating your orchids!