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The Easiest Way To Successfully Propagate Orchids
By ELYSE HAUSER
Propagating orchids might seem intimidating, even to experienced gardeners; however, you can minimize effort and increase the odds of success with proper technique.
According to the American Orchid Society, vegetative propagation — an asexual plant reproduction process — is the most beginner-friendly method of orchid propagation.
The easiest way to use vegetative propagation is with the plant itself. You’ll need to remove the immature plant safely, or keiki, from the parent plant.
Keikis start along the stem and visibly develop into individual plants with their own leaves and aerial roots over six to eight months, making them easy to recognize.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends waiting until you can see more than one root and some growth at the end of the keiki before you remove it.
Once you see these signs, you can gently remove the keiki with a clean, sharp knife. Make sure to get the whole baby plant, including the roots, before planting it in its own pot.
Ensure the roots are all covered when you pot it. Give your new orchid water right after potting, and provide plenty of indirect light, humidity, and warmth to foster growth.