Propogation

[tizzycat]

Hi: I'm new to the site and not sure I'm in the right place as I don't see any members from the UK - I hope I'm not intruding.

I would like to try my hand at propogating orchids and wonder if anyone could recommend a good book/guide.

Thank you so much.

Chris.

[mayres]

Hi Tizzy! Welcome.......
Of course you are not intruding.
I have no experience but from what I have read this process is NOT for the timid-minded. Check out this site from new zealand....
http://homepages.slingshot.co.nz/~sp...hids/breeding/

[jerrymeola]

propagating orchids can start simply by removing Keikis (baby orchids) from the stems of orchids as they grow naturally. They are common on Phalaenopsis and Dendrobiums. Remove the Keikis when the roots are over 3 inches.

Cattleyas and Oncidium types can be propagated by division. Simply taking a large plant and breaking it in two. Each division should have three bulbs for best results. Actually almost any orchid can be divided if it is large enough.

Division often slows down flowering. I personally do not divide unless the plant is so large it must be divided or I need a specific piece for someone else. I actually get better results starting from young plants. I also like the big showy specimum plants, but it is a matter of preference and I do not discourage anyone from dividing plants.

[tizzycat]

Thank you for the welcome! and also the info - the article "Simple Orchid Flasking" is very interesting.

[tizzycat]

Thank you Jerry, is there something I should do to encourage the Keikis to grow (I've read about the paste) or do they eventually grow naturally.

Thankyou.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

The paste works but is best used on nodes lower on the spike for Phals. Nodes near the flowers tend to produce more flowers. So, just cutting the spike off at the appropriate length, just above highest node for flowers and 2 or 3 nodes up from plant for keikis, can be done without a paste, and you may have some success. Dens often respond to poor culture by producing keikis. You might want to cut off an old (4 year or more) cane and lay it side ways, cut in two or more if need be, half buried in a fine mix and kept damp. Again, the paste on the nodes (only) may help. http://www.orchidmall.com/hormones/keikifaq.htm

Cynthia