Growing a keiki orchid can be an exciting process, and by following the right steps, you can successfully propagate your orchid collection.

Here’s a guide on how to grow a keiki orchid without a misstep:

What is a keiki?

A keiki is a baby orchid that develops on the mother plant, typically found in Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium varieties. It is essentially a seedling that grows from the flower stalk instead of producing flowers. The word “keiki” means child in Hawaiian, reflecting its nature as a new generation of orchid.

How to grow a keiki?

  1. Separate the keiki from the orchid:
    • Wait until the keiki has developed at least three leaves and roots measuring 5 to 7 cm long.
    • Use disinfected garden scissors to cut the keiki from the mother plant, leaving a stem of up to 5 cm below its base.
    • Treat the cuts with cinnamon to prevent fungal diseases.
  2. Planting the orchid keiki:
    • Plant the keiki in a small transparent container using special orchid potting soil.
    • Water the keiki and place it in an area with low indirect light to start. Gradually increase light exposure as it grows.
    • For watering, practice overhead irrigation, avoiding wetting the leaves or crown, as the roots are not long enough to absorb water directly.
  3. Maintenance tips:
    • Use transparent pots to monitor growth and watering needs effectively.
    • Water the keiki once a week, adjusting frequency based on environmental conditions.
    • Increase light exposure gradually as the plant matures, ensuring it receives adequate but not direct sunlight.
    • After the plant is established, fertilize it with diluted orchid fertilizer or natural alternatives.
    • Keikis may take two to three years to flower, but larger plants may bloom earlier, sometimes within the first year.

By following these steps and providing proper care, you can successfully grow a keiki orchid and enjoy watching it mature into a beautiful flowering plant, adding to your orchid collection.

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