How to Trim Orchid Sprouts

Established orchid plants sometimes produce sprouts, known as "keiki," which grow their own leaves and roots. These sprouts are actually clones of the parent plant, and you must trim them off to cultivate them. Leaving the keiki on the parent plant causes the parent plant to stop blooming, as it diverts energy to the sprouts. Once you trim off a sprout, plant it properly -- and watch it grow into a new orchid.

Razor
Alcohol
Towel
Plant pot
Orchid potting bark

Instructions

- 1
  Wait for the sprout to produce roots that are 1 to 2 inches long, as well as one to two leaves. The sprout is then mature enough to survive on its own once you remove it.
- 2
  Dip a razor in alcohol to sterilize it. Wipe it dry on a clean towel. Trim the sprout off the orchid just below where it meets the main flower-stem offshoot.
- 3
  Lower the sprout into a new pot. Fill the pot with orchid potting bark and water the sprout. Repeat with any other sprouts that appear on the main orchid.

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