How to Multiply Orchids with Keiki (Pups)?
Keiki is a baby plant that sprouts on the stem of mature orchids like phalaenopsis. You can use these to grow new orchids.
- Leave the Keiki on the stem until you see a few inches of long roots extending from it.
- Once the Keiki has developed a few leaves, it is ready to be separated from the mother orchid.
- Cut the area of the orchid stem where the roots have sprouted and pot it.
- Mist and keep it at a location with plenty of bright and indirect light.
How to Multiply Orchids from Back Bulbs?
When orchids bloom, their older stems, called back bulbs, become lifeless and lose all leaves. Leaving the back bulbs in the pot won’t do any good because there is little chance of new growth. However, once removed and handled properly, these can produce fresh orchids. Follow the steps below to learn how to multiply orchids from back bulbs.
- Cut the back bulbs that no longer bear leaves from the mother plant.
- Prepare a plastic bag filled with a 2-inch layer of damp sphagnum moss.
- Place the back bulbs in the plastic bag with 1/4th of their bottoms buried inside the sphagnum moss.
- Seal the plastic bag in a spot with indirect sunlight or scattered light with a temperature range of (70-75°F / 21-24°C).
- After two months, the back bulbs will show new growth. When the leaves are a few inches long, transplant these into a shallow container and keep them in diffused light. Over the next few months, these will grow and become ready for their pots.
