Some methods of propagating orchids are fairly easily accomplished in your own home with due care and attention. However other methods are really only suitable for the commercial laboratory growers such as propagation from seed and tissue culture as both of these require extremely sterile environments to germinate and grow successfully.
The methods more easily employed in the home are outlined here.
Division
This is probably the easiest of the propagation methods and involves dividing your orchid plant into 2 or more sections depending on size. Cymbidium orchids respond well to this method.
1.Remove your orchid plant from its pot and take a sharp blade that has been sterilized and cut through the rhizome and root ball. Each section should have at least 3 pseudo bulbs.
2.Use sulphur powder to dust each cut to prevent infection.
3.Place each division in a seperate pot. You might initially need to provide some initial support by loosely tying your plant section to a stake.
Back Bulbs
Back bulbs are small leafless bulbs which are often found behind the pseudo bulbs. So long as these look healthy and are not shrivelled, with patience these can often be encourage to grow roots.
1.Choose back bulbs that have a small bud formed near the base.
2.Fill a pot with a sphagnum moss and course sand mix into which you can grow several back bulbs ( a community pot)
Place each bulb into the sphagnum mix up to the bud.
3.Put your pot into a clear plastic bag or propagator.
4.Place in a spot that is out of sunlight and warm
Keiki
Keiki are small plantlets that are produced on the stems of older orchids, typically of the Dendrobrium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis species.
1.These plantlets can be safely removed from the parent once the roots have developed and are at least 1