Can I propagate orchids from leaves like succulents?

Most orchids can't be propagated from a single leaf the way succulents can. Orchids are just wired differently - they need more complex structures to generate new plants. Some orchid types, like Phalaenopsis, might occasionally produce a baby plantlet from a leaf node if conditions are perfect, but it's unreliable and takes forever. With most other orchids, you're basically out of luck trying this method.

Your better bets are propagating from existing shoots, dividing mature plants at the base, or using orchid seeds if you're patient enough. If your orchid has aerial roots or is producing side shoots, you can sometimes encourage those to develop into separate plants by encouraging root growth on the shoot itself. Orchids are slow growers compared to succulents, so whatever method you pick, expect to wait months or even years before you've got a plant worth potting on its own.