What Is a Keiki? Orchid Plantlets and How to Pot Them
The short answer
A keiki is a small plantlet that grows from a node on an orchid’s flower spike or cane. Keikis show up most often on moth orchids and dendrobiums. A keiki is ready to remove once it has a few leaves and roots a couple of inches long. Cut it free with clean tools and pot it in fresh mix.
The word comes from Hawaiian and means baby or child. For orchid growers, a keiki is a free new plant identical to its parent.
What is a keiki?
Some orchids can grow new plants from dormant buds. Instead of a flower, a bud along the flower spike or cane develops into a tiny orchid with its own leaves and, in time, roots.
The UC Master Gardeners publication on propagation of Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) describes keikis as a natural way moth orchids reproduce without seed. Since a keiki grows from the parent’s own tissue, it’s a genetic copy, much like a cutting.
| Orchid | Where keikis form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) | Nodes on flower spike, sometimes base | Most common keiki maker |
| Dendrobium | Nodes along canes | Often several per cane |
| Epidendrum | Along stems | Forms keikis freely |
| Vanda | Base of plant | Basal shoots |
| Cattleya | Rarely | Usually divided instead |
Sources: UC Master Gardeners, Michigan State University Extension, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions.
Why do orchids make keikis?
Sometimes it’s the plant’s habit. Dendrobiums and epidendrums make keikis often. In moth orchids, keikis can form when conditions favor growth over blooming, such as warm temperatures or high nitrogen feeding. A stressed plant with a weak root system may also push a keiki at its base.
Growers can encourage keikis with keiki paste, a product containing a plant hormone, applied to a node on the flower spike. Our post on rooting hormone for cannabis clones explains how plant hormones guide new growth.
When is a keiki ready to remove?
Wait, since a keiki draws food and water from the parent until it roots. Cut it too soon and it may struggle.
The Michigan State University Extension publication on propagating orchids advises waiting until the keiki has at least two or three leaves and several roots about 2 to 3 inches long. Timing varies by plant.
If you’re unsure, leave it longer. A keiki can stay on the parent indefinitely without harm.
How do you pot a keiki?
Clean a sharp blade or pruners. Cut the flower spike or cane about an inch on either side of the keiki, so it carries a small piece of stem. Our post on how to make cannabis clones covers clean cuts that apply here too.
Pick a small pot, about 2 to 4 inches wide, with drainage holes. Use fresh, fine orchid bark or sphagnum moss. Set the keiki so its roots spread into the mix and its base sits at the surface. Firm the mix and stake the plant if it wobbles.
The UF IFAS Gardening Solutions page on orchids explains basic potting and light needs for orchids. Set the new plant in bright, indirect light with steady humidity.
Water lightly at first and let the mix dry slightly between waterings. Our post on transplanting marijuana plants covers easing young plants into new pots.
When will a keiki bloom?
Most keikis bloom in one to three years, depending on the orchid and care. Care for it like an adult plant once it settles in, with regular light feeding and repotting every year or two.
How to: step by step
- Spot the keiki on the spike, cane or base.
- Wait for two or three leaves and roots 2 to 3 inches long.
- Clean your cutting tool.
- Cut with a short piece of stem attached.
- Pot in a small container with fresh bark or moss.
- Set in bright, indirect light and water lightly.
Troubleshooting
Keiki has leaves but no roots. Leave it on the parent longer.
Keiki wilts after potting. Removed too early. Raise humidity.
Keiki at the base of the plant. Can be a sign of stress. Check parent roots.
Roots rot in moss. Too wet. Let mix dry between waterings.
No growth for months. Normal while roots settle. Be patient.
A keiki is a gift from your orchid, and it only asks for patience. Kind Seed Co shares more plant tips in outdoor growing.
Sources
- Propagation of Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), UC Master Gardeners (UCANR), Propagation of Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
- Propagating orchids, Michigan State University Extension, Propagating orchids
- Orchids, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions, Orchids
FAQ
What does keiki mean?
It is Hawaiian for baby or child.
When can I remove a keiki?
When it has a few leaves and roots 2 to 3 inches long.
Is a keiki identical to the parent?
Yes. It is a genetic copy.
Which orchids make keikis?
Moth orchids, dendrobiums and epidendrums most often.
How long until a keiki blooms?
Usually one to three years.
