How to Propagate Vanilla Orchids

Obtain or cut a section of vanilla orchid vine at least 6 inches long, containing at least five nodes. A 12-inch section is preferable. Be sure to note which direction it was growing so you won't plant it upside-down.

Mix equal parts of the orchid bark and African violet soil, and fill the pot within 1 inch of the top. Insert the trellis into the pot.

Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and tap off the excess. Make a hole in the potting mix as close to the trellis as possible with your finger or a stick. Insert the cutting with three nodes underground. If you have a small cutting, you can use two but three is preferred. Tamp down the soil around the cutting and add more if needed.

Tie long cuttings to the trellis with something stretchy, like pieces of old pantyhose. You want to make sure the tie does not cut into the flesh of the cutting. Water well and place in a warm place with filtered or direct sunlight.

Do not disturb the cutting, or it will not root. If it rots at the bottom, you may remove it and cut away the rotted part, then repot. Otherwise, keep it barely moist and leave it alone. When it is rooted, which may take several weeks, it will start to produce new growth. Tie the growth to the trellis as it becomes long enough and begin to fertilize using an orchid-specific fertilizer at one-fourth strength.