How To Start A New Orchid

Starting a new orchid is easier than you might think.

Whether you’ve just bought your first Phalaenopsis or you’re trying to start a new orchid from a cutting, the process all comes down to giving the plant the right environment from day one.

Many new growers wonder how to start a new orchid without killing it, but the truth is that most orchids are resilient if you follow a few simple rules.

In this post, we’ll walk through the essential steps for how to start a new orchid, from choosing the right pot to perfecting your watering routine.

Let’s dive in and get your new orchid growing strong.

Why Starting a New Orchid Requires the Right Setup

Starting a new orchid isn’t like planting a typical houseplant.

Orchids are epiphytes, which means they naturally grow on trees rather than in soil.

Because of this, when you start a new orchid, you need to mimic that airy, well-draining environment at home.

If you just plop it in regular potting soil, you’ll likely end up with root rot.

That’s why the setup you choose is the single most important factor when you start a new orchid.

Here’s how to get it right.

1. Choose the Right Pot for Your New Orchid

When you start a new orchid, the pot matters more than you might expect.

Clear plastic pots are the best choice because they let you see the roots and check for moisture.

Orchid roots need air circulation, so look for pots with drainage holes or even slotted sides.

If you’re wondering how to start a new orchid in a decorative pot, just use an inner clear pot and slip it inside the fancy one.

This way, you can easily lift the inner pot to water and inspect your new orchid.

 

2. Use the Correct Orchid Potting Mix

To start a new orchid properly, you need a coarse, bark-based mix.

Standard potting soil holds too much water and will suffocate the roots.

You can buy a pre-made orchid mix or make your own with bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.

When you start a new orchid, the mix should be loose and chunky so air can reach the roots.

If the mix is too dense, your new orchid won’t be able to breathe.

 

3. Pick the Ideal Spot With Indirect Light

You can’t start a new orchid in a dark corner.

Orchids love bright, indirect sunlight, like what you’d find near an east-facing window.

Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves of your new orchid.

If you only have a south or west window, filter the light with a sheer curtain.

A good rule of thumb is that your new orchid should get about 10-12 hours of bright, indirect light each day.

 

How to Start a New Orchid From a Cutting or Keiki

Maybe you want to start a new orchid from a plant you already own.

This is a fun way to expand your collection without spending money.

The most common method is using a keiki, which is a baby orchid plant that grows on the flower spike.

Here’s how to start a new orchid from a keiki or cutting.

 

1. Wait Until the Keiki Has Its Own Roots

The first step to start a new orchid from a keiki is patience.

You need to wait until the keiki has at least 2-3 roots that are about 2-3 inches long.

These roots should be firm and green or silvery.

If you remove the keiki too early, it won’t survive on its own.

Once the roots are long enough, you can safely separate it to start a new orchid.

 

2. Carefully Cut and Pot the Keiki

Use sterilized scissors or a knife to cut the keiki from the mother plant.

Make a clean cut about an inch below the keiki’s roots.

Then, pot it in a small container with fresh orchid mix.

Keep the keiki in a humid environment, like a mini greenhouse or under a clear plastic bag.

This helps your new orchid adjust and start growing roots in its new home.

 

3. Try Stem Cuttings for Certain Orchid Types

For some orchids, like Dendrobiums, you can start a new orchid from a stem cutting.

Cut a healthy cane into sections, each with a node.

Lay the sections on damp sphagnum moss and keep them warm and bright.

After a few weeks, you’ll see new growth forming at the nodes.

That’s when you know you’ve successfully started a new orchid from a cutting.

 

Watering and Feeding Your New Orchid

Once you start a new orchid, your watering routine becomes your new best friend.

Getting this wrong is the number one reason new orchids die.

Here’s what you need to know about keeping your new orchid hydrated and fed.

 

1. Water Only When the Roots Are Dry

When you start a new orchid, the biggest mistake is overwatering.

Orchids don’t need water every day.

In fact, they prefer to dry out completely between waterings.

To check, stick your finger into the bark or look at the roots in a clear pot.

If they’re green, they’re fine.

If they look silver or gray, it’s time to water your new orchid.

 

2. Use the Soak-and-Drain Method

The best way to water a new orchid is to soak it.

Place the pot in a sink and run lukewarm water through it for about 15 seconds.

Then, let it drain completely so no water sits in the bottom of the pot.

Never leave your new orchid sitting in standing water.

This is a surefire way to cause root rot, and that’s game over.

 

3. Feed With a Diluted Orchid Fertilizer

A new orchid doesn’t need much food at first, but after a few weeks, you can start feeding.

Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength once a month.

During the growing season, you can switch to every other watering.

Just remember that you should never fertilize a completely dry orchid.

Water your new orchid first, then feed it the next time you water.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Start a New Orchid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when you start a new orchid.

But if you know what to watch for, you can avoid most of these pitfalls.

Here are the top things to avoid.

 

1. Don’t Repot Right Away

If you just bought your new orchid, don’t rush to repot it.

Orchids hate being disturbed.

Give it a week or two to acclimate to your home before you even think about switching pots.

When you do decide to repot your new orchid, wait until new roots are actively growing.

 

2. Don’t Use Ice Cubes

You might have heard that you can water orchids with ice cubes.

Don’t do this.

Most orchids are tropical plants, and ice cold water can shock their roots.

When you start a new orchid, always use room-temperature water.

This simple habit will keep your orchid much happier.

 

3. Don’t Panic if a Flower Drops

It’s normal for a new orchid to lose its flowers shortly after you bring it home.

This is called bud blast, and it happens because the plant is adjusting to a new environment.

It doesn’t mean your new orchid is dying.

Just keep giving it the right light and water, and it will rebloom for you in a few months.

 

So, How Do You Start a New Orchid?

Starting a new orchid is straightforward when you focus on the basics.

You can start a new orchid from a store-bought plant or from a keiki, as long as you provide the right pot, mix, and light.

You need to water your new orchid only when the roots are dry, and you must let it drain thoroughly.

You can even start a new orchid from a cutting if you’re patient and give it the right humidity.

Just avoid the common mistakes, and your new orchid will reward you with gorgeous blooms.

So go ahead and try starting a new orchid today.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it really is.