Orchid propagation is the way that an orchid grower gets to multiply the number of orchid plants that he has aside from purchasing them.
The simplest way is if he has plants that need repotting because the pot has become filled with a group of mature plants that sprung from the original plant.
The method used in this instance is called division.
Like the mathematical process, it involves taking the big chunk of orchid plant and separating the big clump into smaller groups and planting them in their own pots with the proper potting material to enhance growth.
There's no intricate procedure to follow just good sense and a little care when separating the plants so that the young orchids don't get torn in the wrong places.
The downside to this method is that it takes a bit of time for the plant to flower.
But since reproduction is the goal then the wait will be worth it.
Like division, the back bulb type of propagation is another method to multiply your plants.
Some plants produce bulbs that have no flowers or leaves but are capable of becoming a new plant.
These are called back bulbs.
It will take a long time before you see any flowers using this type of orchid propagation but if you're the patient type then you can probably wait this one out.
Keikis are baby plants that spring from little nodes along the stem of the mother plant.
It needs to be cut from the mother plant with a sterile blade then transferred to its own pot.
The three preceding methods of propagation can be done by a beginning orchid grower because they don't require complicated procedures to achieve orchid plant propagation.
No fancy equipment is needed either.
Unlike regular plant seeds, orchid seeds have to be grown under special laboratory conditions that require a sterile environment.
They are very tiny and need to be grown in these special conditions.
It is a long and complicated process to grow orchid plants from seed and that's why only special companies do it.
There have been individuals who have tried this method at home and have succeeded but if you're a weekend gardener this will not be for you.
Another method that is best done in the lab is meristem propagation although this is only done by big orchid growers who have the funds and the facility to produce their own orchid propagation.
Scientists and technicians work together to culture orchid plants for their own orchid farm.
Some companies sell seed flasks that contain prepared seedlings which the orchid grower can then transfer to bigger containers.
Different species of orchids have different means of propagation although some types can be propagated in more than one way.
The common denominator in all these methods is using sterile equipment in cutting the new plant or stem.
This will guard against viruses or bacteria that will cause the plant to get sick and die.
Even with the hardiest of orchids, a sterile cutting instrument will make sure that your new plant will be free from contamination.
The new plant will need to be nurtured carefully so that the orchid grower will be able to enjoy success in increasing his stock.
It is no mean feat to care for several young orchid plants.
Different types of orchids need different means of care for optimum growth and health.
All the orchid grower needs to do is to make sure that he follows what is recommended for his orchid type is to make sure his orchid propagation efforts are successful.