What is Propagation in Orchids and How Does It Affect The Orchid Plant?
 
What is propagation in orchids? There are two separate types of propagation used in orchids. The most common type of propagation in orchids is called division.  Just as its name implies, simply put it means dividing or splitting one existing orchid plant into two or more plants. The other type is called back bulb propagation.  This is slightly more complex. The bark or skin around an orchid bulb is removed usually at repotting time.  Then the bulb is placed in an appropriate material to not only promote the growth but also rooting.  So why are there two separate methods used?
Let’s take a closer look at each type. First, the division. Division is the more common method used.  This is probably because it produces a plant capable of flowering in a much shorter time frame than with the back bulb method.  The flowering plant has grown enough to produce a flower itself by the year following the division.  This is important because it is a quicker more feasible solution to propagation for growers needing results.
Back bulb propagation, takes a lot more time to produce a flowering plant.  In fact, the process can take upwards of five years to produce a plant capable of flowering.  This is not always feasible for growers as they need to see results faster than that.  A lot of times it is saved for reserve plants.  Plants that are not counted on for reproduction but once they reach the flowering ability then they are put back into the grower’s population.
Propagating orchids does not really affect the public per say but it indirectly affects everyone that is growing orchids in their house.  Think of it this way, if the growers did not propagate their crops of orchids they would not have new crops to sell to the public.  Essentially you would not have any plants to buy and grow without their propagation techniques.
Orchids are considered one of the most beautiful flowers known to man.  Like all things worth anything, beauty takes time.  Do not try and rush the propagation process.  It knows how long it needs to create a thing of sheer beauty.  Be patient and watch the wonder of nature work its magic turning one miraculous plant into two or more equally magnificent plants.
In conclusion, growing orchids in the most natural of circumstances still never would have happened without propagation.  The process of duplicating a plant is a very necessary step for the world to receive their favorite orchids from their growers. If you have an orchid plant you want to propagate, wait until after its blooming season has ended and try the division technique.  By the time the flowering season arrives the following year you should now have two or more plants instead of just the one you started with.
See also repotting techniques to make sure that your orchid has the best start possible.
Marty