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Dendrobium Keikis: Removal Timing and Fertilizer Management

Four Dendrobium keikis on a supermarket plant (likely high-nitrogen forced) are ready for removal when roots >2 inches. Reduce nitrogen to minimize future keikis.

Keiki Removal

Wait for multiple roots >2 inches, green tips
Twist gently; cut if resistant (umbilical cord)
Small pots, fine bark/medium
High humidity initially

Why So Many Keikis?

Supermarket plants = high nitrogen fertilizer
Nitrogen promotes keiki over flower formation
Dendrobiums especially responsive

Fertilizer Adjustment

Balanced orchid fertilizer (not high N)
½ label rate or less
Dendrobiums need little fertilizer

Mother Plant

Will continue growing. Reduced nitrogen favors future flowering over keiki production.

Congratulations — you're a Dendrobium grandmother! Pot the keikis, adjust feeding, enjoy the multiplcation.

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