What to do with keikis on orchids?

Keikis will eventually grow into a completely separate orchid, but they draw resources away from the mother plant. Some growers let the keiki mature, while others remove it so that the mother plant can thrive. To remove a keiki, simply cut it off with a sharp, sterile blade.

Are orchid keikis rare?

More frequent in Phalaenopsis, Epidendrum and Dendrobium orchids, Keikis are rare enough to warrant celebration. Keikis form when a mature orchid propagates itself by producing new leaves and roots – a copy of itself in miniature – along the flower stalk.

Why are my orchid leaves growing sideways?

The main reason yours has grown the way it has is because it has a big leaf above it. So as it grew up towards the light it hit a big leaf preventing it growing upwards so it had to grow sideways instead. There are many orchids that grow like this.

How do you take care of keikis?

Make sure you don’t forget to water your keiki once a week, just as you would its parent. You should also mist your keiki daily to ensure it retains the proper moisture it needs to grow big and strong. Keikis are a wonderful addition to your orchid family.

How do keikis grow orchids?

Filling the bottom half to two-thirds of your pot with the growing medium, carefully place the keiki inside – roots pointing down – and secure the plant in place by filling in the remaining space with more growing medium, gently pressing down around the plant.

When can I remove keiki?

Wait until it has several small leaves and roots that are two to three inches long before you remove it. Use a sterile cutting tool to cut the cane about two inches above and below the keiki to remove it from the mother plant.

How long does it take keikis to grow?

about two years
It usually takes about two years for a keiki to become a mature flowering plant. Continue to care for your growing orchid with our 10 Simple Steps to Keep your Orchid Healthy.

Why do orchids grow keikis?

Orchid keikis occur naturally when growth hormones accumulate at a node on the flower spike. The production of keikis can also be induced through the use of keiki paste. This paste consists of concentrated growth hormones and is applied directly to the node.

Can I put coffee grounds on my orchids?


Should I remove keikis?

It’s important to know that you can easily remove a keiki if it forms on your orchid. You should do it carefully, but later you can plant it to grow on its own. Alternatively, you can leave it to grow and flower on the mother plant. However, removing a keiki and starting a new orchid is usually a better solution.

What are orchid keikis?

Orchid keikis are baby plants, or offshoots, of the mother plant and an easy method of propagation for some orchid varieties. Keikis are a good way to start new plants from the following varieties:

Where is the keiki on a Phalaenopsis plant?

On Phalaenopsis, this will be on a node along the flower stem. Shoots, on the other hand, are produced at the base of plants near the point where the canes come together. The keiki can be easily removed and repotted.

Can you leave Keiki on a dead Phalaenopsis?

This type of keiki is left on the plant. We have seen cases where a Phalaenopsis completely dies back from crown rot only to sprout an entirely new shoot from the base. These growths tend to grow very quickly, fueled by the large root system of the mother plant. Accept no substitutes!

How do you propagate Phalaenopsis keiki?
