Propagating orchids: video instructions & tips

Orchids can be propagated in a number of ways. In our article with video instructions, we show how to easily propagate orchids with Kindel.

Video instructions for propagating orchids [Music: www.bensound.com]

Real fans of orchids (Orchidaceae) not only want to take good care of them, but also want to be able to multiply them yourself. So that you can start your own orchid propagation, it is important to have an overview of the propagation methods for orchids. The most common method of propagating exotic, epiphytic orchids is by kindel propagation. In this article we explain how to propagate these orchids with Kindel, what you need for this and how to properly care for the Kindel.

tip: In addition to the exotic, epiphytic orchids, there are terrestrial genera that can grow in normal soil. The propagation of these partly native and hardy orchids is not discussed in this article.

What are the methods of propagating orchids?

Orchids are generally considered not very easy to care for. It will therefore not surprise you that the propagation of orchids is not exactly child's play. Orchids can be propagated from seeds, but this is rarely crowned with success. For hobby gardeners, there are three vegetative methods for orchid propagation: by division, by cuttings or by kindling. In propagation by division, the roots of the plant are divided, giving rise to two plants from one large orchid. This method works well with the

Repotting orchids associate. When propagating through head cuttings, cuttings are cut from the upper third of the shoot axis and planted. However, the most common method is to propagate orchids by Kindel. Kindel are often also called offshoots or Keiki designated. These are not cuttings, but young, green shoots that grow on the orchid where inflorescences would otherwise develop.

With these methods you can multiply orchids yourself:

• Kindel (offshoot)
• division of roots
• head cuttings

Tip: Many hobby gardeners talk about breeding orchids when propagating their sweethearts. However, the methods mentioned above are all vegetative, so there is no recombination of genetic material. Because the new plant is genetically a clone of the mother plant, this is propagation and not breeding.

Propagating orchids with Kindel: when is the best time?

Rejoice when your orchid starts to produce babies. The plant makes propagation easy for you. Before it is time to separate the children from the mother plant, you must wait at least a year. Younger children should not be cut. Other criteria for the right time are that the child has already formed its own roots. These should be several inches long. If there are at least two pairs of leaves, then nothing stands in the way of propagating your orchid with Kindel.

How do I recognize finished Kindel?

• Older than one year
• At least 2 pairs of leaves
• Own roots several centimeters long

How to propagate orchids with Kindel

If the children on your orchid are so far advanced that they can become independent, the time for orchid propagation has come. In preparation, you should know what is required for this and how to separate and plant step-by-step from your orchid Kindel.

You need this for the propagation by Kindel

First of all, it is important to have a planter for the new orchid. A transparent pot is suitable for this. In addition, orchids absolutely need special ones orchid soil, as they cannot grow in normal potting soil. Orchid substrate is particularly well adapted to the needs of orchids: it is well drained and also low in nutrients. All these properties favor good growth of the demanding orchids. A special orchid soil is therefore always the first choice when it comes to exotic beauties.

A sharp knife is required to cut the noodles. Disinfect it thoroughly with alcohol beforehand so that it is sterile. You need activated charcoal powder to disinfect the interfaces on the orchid and the children. Last but not least, a spray bottle with water is also needed.

What do I need for propagating orchids?

• planter
• Special orchid soil
• Sharp, sanitized knife
• activated carbon powder
• Spray bottle with rainwater, distilled water or soft tap water

Procedure for propagation by Kindel

Now you are well prepared and can start with the actual propagation of your orchid. To do this, first prepare the planter. Fill the pot two-thirds full with orchid soil. This is not pressed on, it should be nice and loose. To ensure that it is evenly distributed in the pot, you can knock the container two or three times on the table. Then the substrate is moistened with the spray bottle. Now it's time to separate the Kindel from the orchid. Use the sharp knife to cut off the baby from the mother plant. Now the cuts are treated by brushing them with activated charcoal powder. Then use your finger to form a small depression in the substrate for the child. The orchid offshoot is planted there.

tip: Many think that the children of orchids must be grown in water. But that's not correct. Orchid Kindel are planted directly into the orchid substrate.

Carefully place the baby in the hollow, but don't press the delicate roots. Finally, some substrate is sprinkled over the roots and the pot is pushed open a few more times. With the right care, the child will now grow into an independent orchid.

Propagating orchids with Kindel: step-by-step instructions

1. Fill the planter 2/3 with orchid soil
2. Tap the pot 2 or 3 times on the table
3. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle
4. Cut off the stems from the mother plant with a sharp knife
5. Disinfect interfaces on the child and mother plant with activated carbon
6. Make a small depression in the substrate
7. Put the child in the hollow
8. Don't press
9. Sprinkle lightly with substrate and tap onto the table

Expert tip: There is another way to use orchid kindles: leave the kindles on the mother plant and prepare a pot with fine orchid substrate, such as the Floragard orchid soil, in front. Make a well in the substrate surface and wet with a spray bottle. If you now place the child on the substrate and carefully fix it there with a wire, it will take root directly in the new pot and the separation from the mother plant is later with less stress tied together.

Care for your orchid child properly

In the first days after planting, the child is not poured. You should only moisten it with the spray bottle once a day. The young orchid plant does not need fertilizer in the first four weeks either. But what you can do something good for the child is to ensure high humidity. Either a transparent plastic bag or a larger, transparent plant pot can be placed over the plant with the pot. However, it is important to air the room regularly so that no mold can form.

At a glance: care for orchids after propagation

• Don't water the first few days
• Spray lightly
• Do not fertilize in the first 4 weeks
• Ensure high humidity
• A plastic bag or a larger, transparent plant pot can be placed over the child
• Ventilate regularly

With the right attention, your child will soon grow into an orchid plant. You can find out how to properly care for them in our special article on them Care of orchids.

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!