How to cut my orchid
Orchids are true eye-catchers!
They have a captivating appearance that brings almost any interior to life. We would love to fill our homes with these beautiful houseplants because, with the right care, you can enjoy their colorful flowers for years.
But did you know that it’s even possible to propagate an Orchid? Although it’s not an easy task and success is not always guaranteed, it’s certainly not impossible and absolutely worth trying!
Propagating an Orchid: Patience is key!
Propagating an Orchid is an art in itself. There are different ways to propagate Orchids, and the process varies depending on the species.
One important difference in propagation methods is whether you're working with or without a keiki. You may be wondering, “A keiki, what is that?” Don’t worry, we’ll explain it to you!
What is a Keiki?
A keiki is essentially the baby Orchid, a cutting. It’s a small plant that grows from a dormant bud of the mother plant. Not all Orchids develop keikis, so for those Orchids, you’ll need to use a different propagation method.
A dormant bud on an Orchid is a type of "resting point" on the plant, usually at the base of the stem or at a node on the plant. It’s a small bulb-like structure that looks like a bud that won’t bloom. This dormant bud is not active but can "wake up" when the plant is stimulated under the right conditions.
Propagating with a Keiki
Orchids such as Phalaenopsis and Vanda are known for developing keikis. Sometimes, the Orchid’s flower bud fails to bloom and instead turns into a new plant (the keiki). You can stimulate the development of a keiki by activating a dormant bud on the Orchid.
Using tweezers, you can carefully remove the outer layer of the dormant bud. What’s left behind is the keiki, which will continue to develop into a new Orchid. Always make sure to use clean hands and tools to avoid damaging or infecting the plant.
It usually takes between 7 and 9 months for a keiki to grow large enough to be separated from the mother plant. So, you’ll definitely need some patience! Only when the keiki has its own roots of about 6 cm should you gently cut it off. Trim the keiki a few centimeters below the bud and apply cinnamon to the remaining wounds on the mother plant. This helps it heal faster and prevents infections.
Place the keiki in a pot with a mixture of coconut fibers and bark, and you’ll see how the new plant slowly continues to develop. The longer the keiki stays attached to the mother Orchid, the stronger it will become. This significantly increases the chance of survival!
Propagating without a Keiki
There are also Orchids that don’t develop keikis. These Orchids, like Cattleya, Bulbophyllum, and Dendrobium, grow differently. They develop rhizomes, which are thickened stems that grow horizontally under the ground and emerge to produce new plants.
Patience is a Virtue
Whether you’re propagating with or without a keiki, the most important ingredient is patience. Orchids don’t grow quickly, and propagation can take months. But with the right care and attention, you’ll eventually be rewarded with a beautiful new plant to enjoy.
So, while propagating an Orchid is not a simple process, it can be incredibly rewarding. Stay patient, maintain a clean environment, and give your new plants the time they need to develop. Who knows, you may soon have multiple beautiful Orchids in your home!