It’s a new growth in the orchid, with its own leaves and roots, growing from the stem (‘basal keiki’) or spike (‘keiki’). It’s the identical clone of the ‘mother’ plant. Keikis can occur when the mother plant is struggling.
What is the difference between a basal and mother Keiki?
Each keiki has one bloom spike and the mother plant has two new bloom spikes.The orchid above, from our private collection, has since been repotted with the two keikis together in a pot and the mother plant in another pot. What is a Basal Keiki? A different kind of keiki, called a basal keiki, can develop at the base of the Phalaenopsis.
What does a keiki look like on an orchid?
A keiki will develop off of the plant’s stem—meaning either the spike or base on monopodial orchids, or the cane on sympodial orchids. Keikis are easier to distinguish on monopodial orchids like Phalaenopsis because they will look just like a couple of tiny new leaves coming out of a spot where they wouldn’t normally grow.
What is a keiki plant?
The keiki is an exact copy of the original plant that grows from a node on the stalk or cane of an orchid plant. They occur most typically among the Dendrobium, Epidendrum, and Phalaenopsis genera of orchids.
What are the different types of keikis?
There are two types of keikis: basal keiki and apical/ariel keiki. Basal means it is located at/or near the base of an orchid. Apical means it grows from the apex of the bloom stem of an orchid….way up high. As defined above, keiki’s can grow in two different locations on an orchid and for two different reasons.
How do you remove basal keiki?
3:3311:30Sick Phalaenopsis update + basal keiki removal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it hydrates because as you can see the keiki is dehydrated as well it is trying to produce aMoreSo it hydrates because as you can see the keiki is dehydrated as well it is trying to produce a flower spike I'm still undecided if I'm gonna let it be I might just cut it when it starts to develop.
When should basal keiki be removed?
You don't have to leave a keiki attached, though. Once a plantlet has developed at least two or three roots that are at least two to three inches long you can remove it from its mother and plant it in a pot.
Should you remove keiki?
After checking the health of the mother plant, decide whether you want to keep the keiki. 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.
Are keiki 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. In Phalaenopsis orchids, this typically occurs at a node.
Should I fertilize orchid with keiki?
Once the leaves show a little growth, you will know the keiki is happy and established in its new home. Then you can add fertilizer specially formulated for orchids. Always be sure to read labels and follow instructions on fertilizer carefully.
What happens if keiki doesn't have roots?
Keiki will grow roots but at an extremely slow speed, when it is ready. When a keiki first appears on your stem, it would first focus on sprouting a few leaves, three or four. Even when the leaves have grown as big as 4 inches long, there can still be no sign of roots and this is absolutely normal.
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.
How do you transplant a keiki?
Potting orchid keikis is similar to potting any other plant. 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.
How long does it take a keiki to grow?
about two yearsIt 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.
What do I do with a keiki?
15:4718:04How to grow Baby Orchid Plants (Keikis) - Keiki Paste for PhalaenopsisYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI could separate this K key as well and all of them would be just fine but do always make sure thatMoreI could separate this K key as well and all of them would be just fine but do always make sure that no matter the type of separation. You make the K key has roots. If it doesn't have any type of root
How do you replant a baby orchid?
1:424:07Repotting an Orchid Keiki - Phalaenopsis Orchid Keiki - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can see here this is where the the spike from the mother plant was that's where we chopped itMoreSo you can see here this is where the the spike from the mother plant was that's where we chopped it off. But it's quite a neat cute little unit. So next we need an orchid pot. And we need some orchid
Can Keiki paste be used on other plants?
Keiki paste should be applied to growth nodes on stems. For orchids, growth nodes are located on the flower stems. Keiki paste only works when applied on the growth nodes that have not yet flowered. Keiki paste can also be applied to other plants such as Monstera, Pathos, Begonia, etc. to stimulate shoot growth.
Does Keiki paste work on pothos?
Apply Keiki paste You may want to lightly score the nodes with a pin or a needle to expose the plant to the paste better. This is useful when a plant has slightly fleshy or thick stems like the Satin Pothos.
Does Keiki paste work on monsteras?
Keiki cloning paste is a paste that is applied to the nodes of orchids to produce new baby plantlets or keikis. The offsprings are 100% clones of the mother plant. Cloning paste can also be used to produce new growth on other plants such as Philodendron and Monstera.
How do I grow an orchid keiki?
The keiki can be easily removed and repotted. If you want to produce another plant, just leave the keiki attached to the mother plant until it sprouts new leaves and shoots that are at least a couple inches (5 cm.) long. When root growth is just beginning, you can remove the keiki.
How to tell if orchid is a keiki?
How can you tell if what’s developing on your orchid is a keiki or just a new growth? A keiki will develop off of the plant’s stem—meaning either the spike or base on monopodial orchids, or the cane on sympodial orchids. Keikis are easier to distinguish on monopodial orchids like Phalaenopsis because they will look just like a couple of tiny new leaves coming out of a spot where they wouldn’t normally grow. Orchids with a sympodial growth habit (meaning they develop new growth laterally rather than growing upward) put out new leads from existing ones. Such new growth is not a keiki—a keiki on a sympodial orchid will shoot off of an already-mature growth. This may be better explained with photo examples…
Why are Keikis easier to distinguish on monopodial orchids like Phalaenopsis?
Keikis are easier to distinguish on monopodial orchids like Phalaenopsis because they will look just like a couple of tiny new leaves coming out of a spot where they wouldn’t normally grow.
What orchids make keiki?
Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Epidendrum are just some of the types of orchids that are known to generate keikis naturally. In some cases, when an orchid starts to put out a keiki it is trying to tell you that it is not doing well, and it’s making an effort to clone itself to keep its “bloodline” going in case it dies.
How to care for Phal Keiki?
Care for the keiki the same way you care for its mother. Make sure to water and fertilize regularly and keep it away from direct sunlight so you don’t burn those little leaves. After awhile you may see it spike and bloom!
What does it mean when an orchid grows a keiki?
You shouldn’t panic if one of your orchids begins to grow a keiki—this doesn’t mean it’s about to kick the bucket. However, keiki growth can be an indication that your orchid is damaged or unhappy in some way, so you should reevaluate the way you’re caring for it and try to make adjustments to improve its health.
What is a baby orchid called?
The growth I described above is a baby orchid or plantlet, known to orchid lovers as a “keiki” (the Hawaiian term for “the little one”). Keikis are clones of the “mother” plant and can either be left attached to the mother or removed and potted individually once they have grown large enough. Keikis can grow off of the spike or stem ...
How to remove a keiki plant?
Removing a keiki isn’t difficult; just follow these steps: 1. Grab a sterilized cutting implement (A razor blade or gardening shears are best. Household scissors are a little awkward for a job like this). 2. Very carefully slice through the tissue at the base of the keiki to sever it from the original plant. 3.
How to keep keiki from dying?
Sterilize your cutting tools and apply fungicide to keep mother and keiki free from disease.
What is the best potting medium for keiki orchids?
You will want to use a pot that will be large enough to allow for one year of growth. A four inch pot should be as big as you need. Sphagnum moss is one option for a potting medium for orchid keikis.
What genra do keikis form on?
They occur most typically among the Dendrobium, Epidendrum, and Phalaenopsis genera of orchids. Keikis form on other genra of orchids as well, but it is less common. Once a keiki forms on an orchid, it can be left on the mother plant and will usually grow into another flowering plant, while still attached.
How to grow keiki?
With patience and care you can have a copy of your favorite Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, or Epidendrum. Just keep a few, very important things in mind: 1 Allow the Keiki to grow at least two, 2 or 3 three inch roots and a few leaves before removing from the mother plant. It must have both! 2 Sterilize your cutting tools and apply fungicide to keep mother and keiki free from disease. 3 Pot the Keiki in a small pot that will allow for one year of growth. 4 Use a pot and potting media that will allow appropriate drainage. 5 Fertilize only slowly at first, until the keiki shows signs of being well established. 6 Alway monitor moisture carefully. Don’t let the orchid get too soggy or too dry.
How is a Keiki plant formed?
There is no way to know for sure if or where your orchid plant will produce a keiki. It happens when there is a build up of growth hormones at the node. The nodes are the small bumps along the spikes. In order to encourage a keiki to grow you can apply keiki paste or liquid to the nodes.
How to encourage keiki to grow?
In order to encourage a keiki to grow you can apply keiki paste or liquid to the nodes. These products typically have synthetic cytokinins that encourage cell division and growth of new tissue, and some contain synthetic auxins to stimulate growth.
How many roots does a Keiki plant have?
Just keep a few, very important things in mind: Allow the Keiki to grow at least two, 2 or 3 three inch roots and a few leaves before removing from the mother plant. It must have both!
Why is KeikiGrow Plus used?
Keikis, a Hawaiian word for baby plants, are frequently produced by Phalaenopsis in the wild (in situ) because of the natural hormones present in the plant itself The application of KeikiGrow Plus (a mixture of the cytokinin BAP and vitamins in a lanoline paste) can merely assist the plant's natural inclination to produce cytokinins and perpetuate itself by prompting dormant reserve buds into growth.
How to repot a Keiki plant?
Once a Keiki has roots of 1-3 inches, it is time to repot both the mother and the baby. We recommend planting both together in the same pot in fresh mix. When Keikis are very small they seem to do best in the same pot with the mother for the first year because the mother plant helps regulate moisture conditions in the pot. We snip off the Keiki about an inch or two down the spike (or stalk) and gently set the little plant next to the mother and encourage the roots to go downward and establish themselves in the pot. It's ok to bury a bit of the cut off flower spike with the keiki, usually we bend it straight down in an attempt to anchor the little one.
How many bloom spikes does a Keiki have?
Each keiki has one bloom spike and the mother plant has two new bloom spikes.The orchid above, from our private collection, has since been repotted with the two keikis together in a pot and the mother plant in another pot.
What is the function of auxins in a plant?
This action gives a plant its shape by only allowing the top buds to grow. Apical dominance controlled by a constant flow of auxins allows plants to have an important survival mechanism when a plant is damaged.
How many keikis are on Phal Amabilis?
Shown here is our species Phal amabilis which has two Keikis on each of two old bloom spike. These keikis formed on the mother plant after it bloomed the previous year. We chose to leave them on the mother plant and they bloomed along with the mother the next year.
What is a Keiki orchid?
What is a Keiki? Occasionally an orchid plant will bear a little plantlet off of its flower stem or pseudobulb. These little baby plants are often called a Keiki (Hawaiian for "baby"). Frequently we are asked what should be done when this happens.
Can you grow keiki on a flower?
If you would like to have a Keiki of your own to grow, Phalaenopsis equestris and its hybrids often produce such babies naturally and are fairly easy to grow .Plant hormones such as KeikiGrow Plus can be applied to a node on the bloom stem or base to stimulate the growth of a keiki and KeikiRoot can be applied to stimulate root production. This product also works to stimulate nodes on bulbs of sympodial orchids to create new lead growths.
How do orchids produce 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.
What is a keiki orchid?
We refer to these babies as keikis (pronounced kay-kees) which is the Hawaiian word for child. A keiki is the product of asexual propagation by a mature plant resulting in an exact clone of its parent.
Why do orchids put off keiki?
Sometimes an orchid will put off a keiki as a way of continuing its legacy if it fears that death is in the future.
How long does it take for a Keiki to grow?
With the proper care, your keiki should flower between 2 to 3 years of age. You may, however, get lucky and experience flowering after just a year.
Why do you cut back a phalaenopsis flower?
Your Phalaenopsis finished blooming and you cut back the flower spike in an attempt to induce the development of a fresh spike. You begin to notice new growth and you are undoubtedly happy. As you monitor your new growth, you are surprised to see what appears to be leaves forming.
Can you remove a keiki from an orchid?
When your keiki has developed several leaves and roots approximately 2-3 inches in length, you can remove the plantlet from the parent orchid. Removing a keiki from its mother too early can cause the fragile baby to die off.
Can a keiki plant be planted in a pot?
During its first year, a keiki can benefit from being potted with its mother as the mature plant will help regulate soil conditions for the sensitive baby. Be careful not to expose your new plant to too much direct sunlight immediately after transplant.
basal keiki on phal: leave it alone or remove from mother?
I have a phal that I accidentally sunburned last year. Thankfully, the plant is still alive (though it hasn't bloomed in 2 years). A month or two ago, I discovered a basal keiki growing at the base.
Comments (4)
Hi, jj. I would leave the keiki as is, and there are several reasons why, but the biggie and #1 is this:
What is a keiki?
Keiki (pronounced Kay-Key) is simply a Hawaiian term for baby. Orchid keikis are baby plants, or offshoots, of the mother plant and an easy method of propagation for some orchid varieties.
How do I care for a baby orchid?
Moisten the potting medium and place the baby plant where it will receive a little less light and mist it daily, as it will require lots of humidity.
Where do keikis grow?
Keikis grow from buds on the cane, usually the upper portion. For instance, on Dendrobiums you’ll find the keiki growing along the length of the cane or at the end. On Phalaenopsis, this will be on a node along the flower stem.
Can you remove a Keiki plant?
The keiki can be easily removed and repotted. If you want to produce another plant, just leave the keiki attached to the mother plant until it sprouts new leaves and shoots that are at least a couple inches (5 cm.) long. When root growth is just beginning, you can remove the keiki.
Can orchids grow from keikis?
While orchids generally get a bad rap for being difficult to grow and propagate, they’re actually not that difficult at all. In fact, one of the easiest ways to grow them is through orchid propagation from keikis.
domingo, 25 de septiembre de 2011
Los keikis basales nacen en la base de la phalaenopsis. Muchas veces como alternativa de supervivencia de la propia planta, cuando ésta ha sufrido daños como pudrición de corona.
KEIKIS BASALES
Los keikis basales nacen en la base de la phalaenopsis. Muchas veces como alternativa de supervivencia de la propia planta, cuando ésta ha sufrido daños como pudrición de corona.
