Growing Keikis from Cut Flower Spikes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Are Your Keikis Growing Slowly?

You applied keiki paste to nodes on cut flower spikes placed in orchid mix. After a week, keikis appeared but are growing slowly (1.5 cm). The issue likely stems from deviations from the ideal process.

Ideal Keiki Initiation Process

1. Cut the old flower spike just above the 2nd or 3rd node.
2. On the remaining spike (still attached to the plant), gently remove the sheath covering the node to expose green meristematic tissue.
3. Apply keiki paste directly to the exposed tissue.
4. Place the plant in reduced light until the keiki emerges.

If you applied paste without removing the sheath, the tissue received only a partial hormone dose, resulting in slow growth.

Root Development Timeline

Keikis can remain on the mother plant indefinitely. Roots typically appear when leaves reach 7-8 cm. If no roots by then, apply rooting paste to the keiki's base. Most keikis begin rooting on their own at this size.

Managing Flowering vs. Keiki Growth

• Strong plants (>3 leaves, 10+ cm) can flower and grow keikis simultaneously.
• Weak plants (<3 small leaves) should have new flower spikes removed to avoid inhibiting keiki growth.
• Keiki development may take a year or more before it's ready for potting.