Breeding orchids: how to do it

Orchids have several ways to reproduce, including seeds. If you are looking for the best way to reproduce orchids, how to do it correctly and more information about their care, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we are going to teach you how to reproduce orchids with the most reliable and simple methods so that you can make your orchids grow strong and offer you their spectacular flowers.

How to reproduce orchids by bulbs step by step

Generally, orchids, once they reach adulthood, a time that usually occurs between two and three years from their birth, will produce bulbs with which to reproduce the orchid again. Reproducing orchids by bulbs 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 hold and several bulbs to ensure rooting. For safety, it is better that you do not discard bulbs that you see in bad condition, simply plant them 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. If you do not have any specific commercial on hand, you can also use cinnamon powder.
3. Prepare the container or pot where you are going to transplant the bulbs. Remember that in this case it does not need to be transparent but it does 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 promote the growth of their aerial roots.
4. Now sow the bulbs again trying to make them straight. Add more substrate, but don’t overload it. It is better that the plant, even being subject, has room to grow freely.
5. During the first days it is better to hydrate the orchid using a spray. This process should be done up to three times a week.
6. After two to three weeks, the bulbs will have begun to generate new shoots, so you only need to choose the final container in which to plant your new orchids.

How to reproduce orchids by cuttings

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

1. Before you start, you must sharpen your pruning tools, disinfect them and prepare a tray about 8 centimeters deep that you must 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 close to 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 in polyurethane plastic. It is necessary that once you have covered the cuttings and they are accommodated in the wet bed of moss or sand, place the tray in a cool place that does not receive direct sunlight
4. After several weeks, place the tray in a place with a higher temperature, around 25ºC.
5. Moisturize 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.

How to reproduce orchids by Keikis or floral rod

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

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

Orchids are also capable of reproducing asexually . This method of reproduction consists of the appearance of a new floral rod 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 rod 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 keikis is more typical of orchids such as Dendrobium and Epidendrum , we can also find them easily in Phalaenopsis orchids , which are the most popular and easy to find.

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

How to Plant Orchid Keikis for Reproduction

1. The aerial roots of the keiki should measure about 3 to 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 removing 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’s rooted to give your new orchid more support.