Complete Guide to Orchid Propagation — Division, Keiki & Meristem

Orchid propagation methods differ by species. With proper techniques and timing, you can multiply beautiful orchids by hand.

Division

Best for sympodial orchids such as cattleya and dendrobium. Divide the rhizome with clean scissors, ensuring at least 3 pseudobulbs remain per division. Apply fungicide to cut surfaces and plant in fresh sphagnum moss or bark.

Keiki (Offset) Harvesting

Keikis are baby plants that develop on flower spikes or stem nodes of phalaenopsis and dendrobium. Once the keiki has 3+ roots at least 5cm long, detach from the parent plant. Removing too early increases the risk of death.

Back Bulb Propagation

Place old leafless bulbs horizontally on moistened sphagnum moss and maintain high humidity. New shoots may emerge within weeks to months. Success rates are somewhat low, but it's worth trying for valuable varieties.

Meristem Culture (Mericlone)

A specialized mass propagation technique using sterile tissue culture. Difficult to perform at home, but it enables production of uniform, high-quality seedlings, which is how most commercially available orchids are propagated.

Timing and Precautions

• Best done during the growth period after flowering
• Always sterilize tools (virus infection prevention)
• After division, avoid direct sun and provide slightly reduced care

Benefits of Buying on Buri-Choku

On Buri-Choku, you can purchase directly from specialist orchid growers. Variety names are accurate, and cultivation history is clear, ensuring high-quality plants. Propagation advice is also available for beginners.