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Orchids can be propagated in different ways. In our article with video instruction, we show you 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 propagate 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.

We will show you how to propagate your orchid with Kindel

Tip: In addition to the exotic, epiphytic orchids, there are also terrestrial species 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. There are three vegetative methods for orchid propagation for hobby gardeners: 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 can be easily combined with repotting orchids. 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. Kindels are also often referred to as offshoots or Keiki. These are not cuttings, but young, green shoots that grow on the orchid where inflorescences would otherwise develop.

Where young shoots grow from the mother plant, the knife is applied in the further course

You can use these methods to propagate orchids yourself:

  • Kindel (offshoot)
  • Division of roots
  • Head cuttings

Tip: Many hobby gardeners talk about breeding orchids when propagating their darlings. 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?

When your orchid starts producing babies, rejoice. 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.

The children are ready to plant after a year - provided the roots are long enough

How do I recognize finished children?

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

How to propagate orchids with Kindel

Once the children on your orchid are ready to become independent, the time has come for orchid propagation. In preparation, you should know what is required for this and how to remove and plant the kindel from your orchid step by step.

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 orchid soil, since 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.

Orchids need well-drained and nutrient-poor soil for he althy growth

You need a sharp knife to cut the kindel. Disinfect it thoroughly with alcohol beforehand so that it is sterile. need activated carbon powderYou to disinfect the interfaces on the orchid and the children. Last but not least, you will also need a spray bottle with water.

What do I need for propagating orchids?

  • Planter
  • Special orchid soil
  • Sharp, disinfected knife
  • Activated Charcoal 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 in there.

To plant the baby, make a small depression in the substrate with your fingers

Tip: Many people think that orchids need to be raised in water. But that's not true. Orchid Kindel are planted directly into the orchid substrate.

Carefully place the baby in the well, 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. Potter the pot on the table 2-3 times
  3. Moisten soil with spray bottle
  4. Cut the kindling off the mother plant with a sharp knife
  5. Disinfect interfaces on child and mother plant with activated charcoal
  6. Press a small depression in the substrate
  7. Put the child in the hollow
  8. Do not press
  9. Sprinkle lightly with substrate and tap onto table

Expert Tip: There is another way to use orchid kindel: leave the kindel on the mother plant and prepare a pot with fine orchid substrate, likefor example with the Floragard orchid soil. 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 will be less stressful later.

Proper care for orchids

In the first few days after planting, the child is not watered. 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 ventilate regularly so that no mold can form.

Overview: caring for orchids after propagation

  • Do not water the first few days
  • Spray only lightly
  • Do not fertilize in the first 4 weeks
  • Ensure high humidity
  • You can put a plastic bag or a larger, transparent plant pot over the child for this purpose
  • Air regularly

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

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!

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