Garden Q&A: How should I create new orchid plants from offshoots?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Creating new orchids from little offshoots is easier than we might think, says Peter Dowdall. File picture

QUESTION

I've got two orchids that have new orchids attached. How can I separate them from the original plant?

ANSWER

Creating new plants from little offshoots, often called keikis, a Hawaiian word for "babies", and bulking up on your orchid numbers for free is easier than you may think.

Wait until the offshoots have developed roots that are at least two or three inches long and have at least two or three leaves. This ensures the baby orchid is strong enough to thrive on its own.

Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning scissors and sever the keiki from the parent plant.

Orchid 'Phalaenopsis'. File picture

Place the baby plant in a pot filled with orchid potting mix, ensuring it is moistened — but not soggy — and spreading the roots over the mix. Cover the roots lightly with the mix, but don’t bury the base of the leaves.

Use a small stake or orchid clip to support it, if necessary, until it establishes itself.

Place the new orchid in a location with bright, indirect light and water sparingly, letting the potting mix dry slightly between waterings.

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