How to Get a Keiki
 

Hello everyone,

Thank you for reading this! I am just wondering how people get their orchids to have Keikis. I have a Phalaenopsis orchid, currently in bloom. I just was wondering if there was a way to enduce a keiki, or if it’s just natural.

Thank you!

It's either naturally produced asexually by the plant or in the case of a Phal, "keiki paste", may increase the chances of getting one.

If you're using "keiki paste", (which is a gel containing a phytohormone), you apply it to a dormant node on a Phal's flower stalk.

"Keiki paste" does not necessarily work on all orchids. Some will respond, others will not.

Dear Phillip,

Thank you for the information!

Phalaenopsis will on rare occasions produce a spontaneous keiki from an unbloomed node on old spikes. Keiki paste might enhance the likelihood of this occurring.

Some species produce keikis fairly readily. My dad had a Phal schilleriana, which eventually had a keiki, on a keiki, on a keiki; and all 3 were spiking simultaneously with the mother plant.

I have tried using keiki paste on several Vandaceous hybrids, but so far no success.

Nitrogen rich fertilization will promote keiki development in some genera. Not sure if Phal are included.