Orchid Keiki Propagation — Growing Baby Orchids from Keikis
About Orchid Keiki Propagation
How to identify, grow, and separate orchid keikis (baby plantlets). Keikis are free baby orchids that appear on flower spikes and can be potted into new independent plants. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Here are the key things to understand: A keiki (Hawaiian for 'baby') is a plantlet that grows directly from an orchid flower spike node. Keikis develop their own leaves and aerial roots while still attached to the mother plant. Most common in Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids, often triggered by heat or hormonal changes. Keikis should have at least 3 roots of 2+ inches before separating — this takes 6-12 months. You can encourage keiki formation by applying keiki paste (cytokinin hormone) to dormant spike nodes. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.
The most common reasons this occurs include: High temperatures during spike development can cause nodes to produce plantlets instead of flowers. Some orchids produce keikis as a natural vegetative reproduction strategy, especially Dendrobiums. Hormone imbalances in the plant — too much nitrogen or growth hormones favors keiki over flower production. Keiki paste (contains BAP cytokinin) can be deliberately applied to nodes to induce plantlet formation. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.
To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Identify the keiki: a small plantlet with leaves growing from a node on the flower spike, not a flower bud. Leave the keiki attached to the mother plant — it gets nutrition through the spike while growing roots. Wait until the keiki has at least 3 roots that are 2-3 inches long and 2-3 leaves of its own. Cut the spike 1-2 inches on each side of the keiki with sterile scissors; dust cuts with cinnamon. Pot the keiki in fine-grade orchid bark in a small 2-3 inch pot; maintain high humidity until established. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.
This article is part of our Flowering Plants collection on Houseplants Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.
Quick Answer
How long until a keiki blooms on its own?
Typically 2-3 years after separation for Phalaenopsis keikis. They need to grow to mature size with 4-5 full leaves before they can support a flower spike.
Overview
How to identify, grow, and separate orchid keikis (baby plantlets). Keikis are free baby orchids that appear on flower spikes and can be potted into new independent plants.
Key Details
- A keiki (Hawaiian for 'baby') is a plantlet that grows directly from an orchid flower spike node
- Keikis develop their own leaves and aerial roots while still attached to the mother plant
- Most common in Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids, often triggered by heat or hormonal changes
- Keikis should have at least 3 roots of 2+ inches before separating — this takes 6-12 months
- You can encourage keiki formation by applying keiki paste (cytokinin hormone) to dormant spike nodes
Common Causes
- High temperatures during spike development can cause nodes to produce plantlets instead of flowers
- Some orchids produce keikis as a natural vegetative reproduction strategy, especially Dendrobiums
- Hormone imbalances in the plant — too much nitrogen or growth hormones favors keiki over flower production
- Keiki paste (contains BAP cytokinin) can be deliberately applied to nodes to induce plantlet formation
Steps
- 1Identify the keiki: a small plantlet with leaves growing from a node on the flower spike, not a flower bud
- 2Leave the keiki attached to the mother plant — it gets nutrition through the spike while growing roots
- 3Wait until the keiki has at least 3 roots that are 2-3 inches long and 2-3 leaves of its own
- 4Cut the spike 1-2 inches on each side of the keiki with sterile scissors; dust cuts with cinnamon
- 5Pot the keiki in fine-grade orchid bark in a small 2-3 inch pot; maintain high humidity until established