Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as Moth Orchids, are the most widespread household orchids due to their long-lasting blooms and relative ease of care. These monopodial orchids grow from a single stem, making traditional division methods impossible for propagation. Propagation involves creating new, genetically identical clones from the parent plant, allowing growers to expand their collections. Phalaenopsis propagation relies on two main techniques that utilize the plant’s natural ability to produce offsets or plantlets.
Propagating Using Keikis
Keikis are small plantlets that naturally develop on a healthy Phalaenopsis orchid, usually emerging from a node on the flower spike. These clones are ready for separation when they can sustain themselves independently. Wait until the keiki has produced at least three leaves and three roots, with each root measuring a minimum of one inch long.
To separate, sterilize your cutting tool, such as a razor blade or scissors, to prevent pathogen transmission. Cut the flower spike, leaving one to two inches attached to the plantlet’s base. This small piece of stem helps anchor the keiki in its new potting medium.
Immediately apply a fine powder fungicide or cinnamon to all cut surfaces. Cinnamon acts as a natural desiccant and mild antiseptic, sealing the wounds and preventing infection. The plantlet is then ready to be potted in its own container.
Propagating from Flower Spikes
Actively inducing new growth involves utilizing the dormant nodes along a healthy, still-green flower spike after blooming. This method requires applying a specialized substance known as cytokinin paste, often sold as “keiki paste.”
First, locate a dormant node, which appears as a small bump covered by a protective papery bract or sheath. Carefully peel away this thin sheath using a sterile tool to expose the green tissue underneath.
Dab a small amount of the cytokinin paste directly onto the exposed node. Cytokinins stimulate cell division and shoot formation, encouraging the bud to develop into a keiki rather than a flower spike. Applying the paste during the orchid’s active growth phase, typically spring or summer, increases the likelihood of success.
The orchid needs consistent warmth and higher humidity to encourage growth initiation. It may take several weeks for activity to begin, and the result may be a new flower spike instead of a plantlet. If a plantlet forms, allow it to develop roots and leaves on the parent spike before separation, following the standard keiki guidelines.
Essential Care for Newly Propagated Orchids
Newly potted plantlets have small, delicate root systems that require a fine-grade potting medium to thrive. Growers often choose fine orchid bark mix, which provides excellent aeration and drainage, or long-fiber sphagnum moss, which retains more moisture.
The small pot should be just large enough to accommodate the roots, as Phalaenopsis prefer to be slightly crowded. If using sphagnum moss, pre-moisten it and pack it loosely around the roots to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent rotting.
Juvenile orchids require higher humidity levels than mature plants to prevent drying out. Place the pot on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water. Warm temperatures and gentle, indirect light are also important, as intense sunlight can easily scorch the tender leaves.
Watering must be managed carefully, as fine-grade media can dry out quickly, but overwatering leads to root rot. Water when the medium is nearly dry, which may be more frequent than for a mature plant. Postpone fertilization until the new plantlet shows clear signs of establishment, such as the emergence of new leaves or roots.