subject: Four General Tips on Orchid Propagation [print this page] Have you succumbed to the charm and beauty of an orchid? If you're already a keen gardener there's every chance you've decided you want to start a family an Orchidaceae family that is! You may have heard that orchid propagation isn't easy. Dismiss that notion with the correct information and a little practice, you'll soon be creating little orchids together.
There are a few different propagation methods for orchids but some are best left to the professionals while others are quite suitable for the average orchid lover. The two most common ways of propagating at home are dividing plants and using back bulbs. Which method you use will be dictated by the type of orchids you're propagating.
General Tips for Repotting & Propagating
When it's time to re-pot, take the opportunity to examine your plant's roots for any signs of disease. Remove or trim back any unhealthy roots.
It's possible to transfer diseases from one orchid to another via gardening tools so sterilize tools in between using them on each orchid.
When you slice through a rhizome to separate a plant or remove a diseased section, apply an anti-bacterial product to the cut. Some gardeners use cinnamon or sulfur powder but suitable products can also be purchased from a gardening center.
Always position some chunky material in the bottom of the orchid pot as this helps excess water to drain.
Dividing Orchids
Orchids with pseudobulbs and varieties that form clumps can be separated when they've grown to a sufficient size. This right time to do this is after your plant has flowered and is starting to exhibit fresh growth. This is the time your orchid has the best capacity to cope with being repotted. It's emerging new roots can quickly adapt to their new environment.
To propagate by dividing, simple remove your orchid from its pot and find sections where there appears to be a natural division. Separate these sections gently and pot each of them. If you are dividing plants that have pseudobulbs, ensure each section your separate has three pseudobulbs and at least some fresh root growth for the best results.
Propagating with Back Bulbs
To achieve good results using this method your orchids need to have enough back bulbs to separate. If you want to see your new orchids flowering as soon as possible, it's recommended that you separate into sections of at least three bulbs. Each new plant should evidence of new root growth.
Some gardeners prefer to maximize the number of new plants and start new plants with only two bulbs and some fresh root growth. This can be successful however they're likely to take an extra season to flower.
When you've completed the repotting exercise, a thorough watering will help your fledgling orchids cope with settling into their new homes. If you've done everything right you'll soon be watching your new orchid family grow and blossom.
