If you’ve got a Dendrobium orchid at home that’s absolutely thriving, you’re in luck! You can actually grow brand-new “baby” plants from your favorite orchid. By using offsets from the mother plant, you can propagate new orchids that share all the same beautiful traits as the original. All it takes is a little patience and some TLC. Here’s how to get it done.
How to Spot a Dendrobium Offset
Dendrobiums have a clever way of ensuring their legacy: they produce offsets, often called “keikis” (the Hawaiian word for “baby”). You’ll notice these little guys growing on older canes (bulbs) that have already finished blooming. Look for tiny air roots and leaves sprouting from the upper part of the cane. This is exactly why you shouldn’t be too quick to prune away yellowing canes—they might just be the birthplace of your next orchid!
How to Properly Cut and Care for Your Keiki
Once you spot a little offset, don’t reach for the shears just yet. It needs some time to mature while still attached to the “mom.” Keep up with your regular orchid care and give the baby a light misting with lukewarm water every now and then. You’ll know it’s ready to move out on its own once it has at least two leaves and several healthy air roots. When that time comes, here’s your game plan:
- Cut the offset off, making sure to include a small piece of the original cane just below the air roots.
- Fill a transparent starter pot with a mix of expanded clay (LECA) and coconut fibers.
- Gently tuck the keiki (and that little piece of cane) into the substrate.
- Water it and mist it using soft water (like rainwater or filtered water).
High humidity is the secret sauce for getting your baby orchid to take off. A mini indoor greenhouse is the perfect nursery. If you don’t have one, you can use a clear plastic cover to create a humid, warm microclimate. Just make sure to lift the cover daily for a little fresh air so you don’t run into any mold issues.
Next Steps for Your New Orchid
After a few weeks, once you see new growth starting to sprout, you can ditch the plastic cover. Move your plant to a warm spot with bright, indirect light (a half-shaded windowsill is perfect). Keep misting the leaves every two days with soft water. Once the young plant has developed a strong root system that fills the starter pot, you can repot it into a proper pine bark orchid mix.
