Multiplying Outdoor Orchids

If you love your outdoor orchids, you might want to make more of them. Multiplying outdoor orchids is a rewarding way to expand your collection for free. It’s easier than you think, and with this simple guide, you’ll be sharing new plants in no time.

Many gardeners feel nervous about dividing their prized orchids. But with the right timing and technique, it’s a straightforward process. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it successfully.

Before you start, it’s important to know which orchids you have. Sympodial orchids, like Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums, grow from a rhizome and produce multiple pseudobulbs. These are the ones you can multiply by division. Monopodial orchids, like Vandas, grow from a single stem and require different methods.

This guide focuses on dividing sympodial orchids, which are common in outdoor gardens in mild climates.

When is the Best Time to Divide Your Orchids?

Timing is everything for success. The ideal moment is right after flowering, when the plant begins a new growth cycle. For most outdoor orchids, this is in the spring.

Look for these signs that your orchid is ready:

It has clearly outgrown its pot, with pseudobulbs spilling over the edge.
There are at least six to eight healthy pseudobulbs on the plant.
You see new growth, often called a “lead,” starting at the base of the plant.
The potting mix is still fresh enough to support the new divisions (or you plan to repot entirely).

Essential Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering your supplies before you start makes the job smoother. You won’t need anything too fancy. Here’s your checklist:

Sharp, sterilized cutting tool (a knife, pruning shears, or a razor blade).
Rubbing alcohol or a flame for sterilizing your tool.
New pots with excellent drainage (clay or special orchid pots are great).
Fresh orchid potting mix (chunky bark, sphagnum moss, perlite blend).
Labels and a pen to mark your new divisions.
Optional: cinnamon powder or a commercial fungicide to dust cuts.

Step-by-Step Division Process

Now, let’s get to the main event. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Plant

Work in a clean, shaded area. Remove the orchid carefully from its current pot. This might require gently squeezing the pot or using a tool to loosen the roots. Be patient to avoid breaking to many roots.

Shake off the old potting media from the root ball. You can rinse the roots with lukewarm water to help see the structure clearly.

Step 2: Inspect and Plan Your Cuts

Lay the plant on its side. Identify the rhizome—the horizontal stem connecting the pseudobulbs. Look for natural divisions where you can separate the plant into sections.

Each new division should have:

At least 3-4 healthy pseudobulbs (the older, back bulbs can support the new growth).
A visible new growth or “lead.”
Its own set of viable roots.

Step 3: Make the Division

Sterilize your cutting tool between every single cut. This prevents spreading disease. Find a gap in the rhizome between pseudobulbs and make a clean, swift cut through it.

You can sometimes gently pull sections apart with your hands if the rhizome is brittle. Dust all cut surfaces on both the division and the mother plant with cinnamon or fungicide. This helps to seal the wound and prevent rot.

Step 4: Pot Up Your New Divisions

Choose a pot that’s just big enough for the root mass of the new division. Orchids generally like snug pots. Place a little mix in the bottom.

Position the division in the pot so the newest growth is facing the center, with room to grow toward the edge. The rhizome should be just at or slightly below the top of the potting mix.

Gently fill in around the roots with your fresh orchid mix, tapping the pot to settle it. Don’t bury the pseudobulbs to deeply. You can use a stake to support the plant if it’s wobbly.

Step 5: Aftercare is Crucial

Your new divisions need gentle care to recover. Do not water them immediately! Wait about a week to ten days to let the cut roots callous over.

Instead, provide humidity by misting the aerial roots and foliage lightly. Place the pots in a warm, shaded, and protected spot outdoors with good air circulation. After the waiting period, resume a normal, careful watering routine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Dividing too small: A division with only one or two bulbs will take years to recover and bloom.
Using dirty tools: This is the fastest way to introduce a fatal infection.
Overpotting: A huge pot holds moisture too long and leads to root rot.
Watering too soon: This causes the fresh cuts to rot before they heal.
Giving to much fertilizer: Wait until you see active new root growth before feeding at half-strength.

Other Methods for Multiplying Orchids

Division is the fastest method, but some outdoor orchids offer other possibilities.

Keikis: Some Dendrobiums and Phalaenopsis produce baby plantlets, called keikis, on their canes or flower spikes. You can remove these once they have several roots of their own and pot them separately.

Back Bulb Propagation: Old, leafless pseudobulbs (back bulbs) can be potted separately. They often sprout a new growth, thought this process is slow and requires high humidity and patience.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How often can I divide my outdoor orchid?

Only every 2-3 years, or when the plant has clearly become overcrowded. Frequent division stresses the plant.

My division looks sad and wilted. Is it dead?

Not necessarily. It’s normal for divisions to look droopy as they recover from the shock. Maintain high humidity and shade, and be patient. New root growth is the key sign of success.

Can I plant orchid divisions directly in the garden?

In very mild, frost-free climates, some hardy orchids like Bletilla can be grown in soil. Most common potted orchids, however, are best left in containers for better control over drainage and conditions.

Why are the leaves on my new division turning yellow?

A yellowing older leaf or two is normal as the plant reallocates energy. Widespread yellowing suggests overwatering, poor drainage, or to much sun. Check your growing conditions.

When will my divided orchid bloom again?

A strong division with a good lead may bloom in the next season. Smaller divisions or those without a new growth may take two years to build up enough energy to flower. Don’t be discouraged—it’s worth the wait.

Multiplying your outdoor orchids is a fantastic way to deepen your gardening skills. It allows you to preserve a favorite plant, share it with friends, and fill your garden with more beauty. With careful timing, clean tools, and a little patience, you’ll find the process is deeply satisfying. Just remember to plan your cuts, pot wisely, and resist that urge to water too soon. Before long, you’ll have a thriving collection that you created yourself.