How to grow Baby Orchid Plants

Did you know that your orchid can grow 'baby' plants called keikis, allowing you to expand your collection for free?

Keikis are small clones of the parent orchid that develop on flower spikes or stems.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly care for and propagate your orchids by growing these beautiful little offshoots.

What Are Keikis?

Keikis are the young plantlets that grow naturally from the flower stem or spike of an orchid.

The term “keiki” means “baby” in Hawaiian, and these baby plants are genetically identical to the parent orchid.

Keikis are often seen as a way for orchids to propagate themselves, and with the right care, they can be successfully grown into full-sized plants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Keikis

1. Identifying Keiki Formation

Keikis typically form on the flower spike or stem of an orchid, especially on varieties like Phalaenopsis.

Look for small buds that begin to grow roots and leaves. They may appear as tiny green sprouts emerging from nodes along the stem.

Be patient, as the process can take several weeks.

2. Waiting for Root Development

Once the keiki forms, allow it to grow roots that are at least 2-3 inches long.

This is crucial because the keiki needs these roots to survive independently once separated from the parent plant.

Don’t rush the process, as removing a keiki too early can stunt its growth.

3. Separation Process

When the keiki has developed enough roots, it’s time to separate it from the parent orchid.

Use a sterilized knife or scissors to carefully cut the keiki from the stem. Make sure you leave a small section of stem attached to the keiki to prevent damage to the roots.

4. Potting the Keiki

Prepare a small pot with a well-draining orchid mix. Orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss are all good options.

Place the keiki in the pot, making sure the roots are spread out and not bent.

Gently press the mix around the keiki’s roots, ensuring it’s stable.

5. Post-Planting Care

After potting the keiki, place it in a warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Keikis thrive in humidity, so mist them regularly or place them in a humidity dome. Water the keiki sparingly, keeping the mix slightly moist but not soggy.

Once the keiki starts growing stronger, you can treat it like a mature orchid.

Using Keiki Paste to Encourage Keiki Formation

Keiki paste is a special hormone gel that can be applied to an orchid stem to encourage the formation of keikis.

It’s especially helpful if your orchid is healthy but not producing keikis naturally.

To use it, simply apply a small amount of paste to a node on the flower spike where you want the keiki to form. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paste for the best results.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

While propagating orchids from keikis is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can occur:

• Removing the Keiki Too Early: If you remove the keiki before it has enough roots, it won’t survive. Ensure the roots are at least 2-3 inches long.

• Overwatering: Keikis, like adult orchids, don’t like to sit in water. Ensure that your potting mix is well-drained and that the keiki doesn’t stay too wet.

• Incorrect Lighting: Keikis need indirect light to grow properly. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can stunt their growth.

If you encounter any of these issues, adjust your care routine and be patient.

Orchids are resilient and can often bounce back with proper attention.

Enjoy this Video Tutorial

Source: MissOrchidGirl

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