How to propagate orchids so you don’t have to buy them anymore

How to Do It:

1. Separate back bulbs when repotting an overgrown orchid.
2. Clean and disinfect the bulbs.
3. Plant horizontally in sphagnum moss or a moist medium, partially covering them.
4. Keep warm and humid: Use a plastic dome or humidity tray.
5. Wait for new growth: This can take a few months, but a new shoot will eventually emerge.

Orchid Propagation Tips for Success

• Sterilize tools with rubbing alcohol or flame to avoid infection.
• Use the right growing medium: Orchids hate soggy soil. Use bark, perlite, or moss depending on the species.
• Be patient: Propagation can take time—months or even a year before plants mature enough to bloom.
• Label your plants to track their progress and identify types.

Final Thoughts

Propagating orchids isn’t just rewarding—it’s addictive. Watching a new orchid emerge from a keiki or a back bulb is a gardening triumph worth every bit of effort. With these methods, you can multiply your orchid collection naturally and enjoy even more of their stunning blooms without reaching for your wallet.

So next time you look at your healthy orchid and think, “I want more of you,” remember: nature already gave you everything you need.

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