Keiki paste is a horticultural product that stimulates new plant growth. It encourages the formation of new plantlets (keikis) or additional flower spikes. Typically lanolin-based, this thick, waxy blend delivers targeted support to specific growth points. It offers a practical method for propagating plants or enhancing their foliage.
Understanding How Keiki Paste Works
Keiki paste functions due to plant hormones, primarily cytokinins like 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP). These hormones promote cell division (cytokinesis). When applied, cytokinins override apical dominance, which suppresses lateral bud growth, activating dormant nodes.
The paste delivers concentrated growth-stimulating hormones to a chosen area, signaling new cellular activity. This hormonal boost can trigger new plantlets, shoots, or flower spikes, depending on the plant and application site. The lanolin base ensures hormones remain in place, are absorbed effectively, and provide sustained release.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Keiki Paste
Ensure the plant is healthy and actively growing, free from pests or diseases, as stressed plants may not respond. Identify a suitable node, typically a bump or joint on the stem where growth can emerge. For orchids, flower spike nodes are common sites; lower nodes encourage keikis, higher nodes promote blooms.
Prepare the selected node. On many plants, lightly scratch or make a small incision on the node’s surface for paste entry; very thin-stemmed plants may not require this. Remove any papery coverings (bracts) from orchid nodes to expose the dormant bud. Always use a sterilized tool (e.g., toothpick, cotton swab, razor blade) to prevent pathogens.
Apply a small, pea-sized amount of paste directly onto the prepared node, covering the entire area. A single application is usually sufficient; its water-resistant nature helps it adhere and deliver effects over time. Return the plant to its regular care routine, maintaining optimal light, watering, and environmental conditions to support growth.
Expected Outcomes After Application
New growth typically appears within one to three weeks, though this can extend to two to eight weeks depending on the plant’s species, health, and environmental conditions. Growth can vary, including new plantlets, flower spikes, or vegetative growth like leaves or side shoots. For orchids, a “keiki” is a miniature clone of the parent plant, complete with leaves and eventually roots.
New growth initially appears as a small bump or green protrusion from the treated node, gradually developing into defined structures. Success and vigor are influenced by the plant’s health, temperature, and humidity. Some plants may take longer to respond, even under ideal conditions.
Maximizing Success and Addressing Common Issues
To maximize effectiveness, maintain optimal environmental conditions. Ensure warm temperatures (above 70°F/20°C), adequate light, and consistent humidity, as these support cell differentiation and development. Regular, mild fertilization, especially high-nitrogen feed during active growth, supplies necessary nutrients.
Common issues include lack of growth or slow development. This indicates the plant is stressed, unhealthy, or lacks sufficient light, water, or nutrients, as keiki paste cannot compensate for care deficiencies. Improve the plant’s health before reapplication. Applying too much paste or treating too many nodes can lead to irregular or deformed growth or inhibit root development; a conservative approach is advised. If a keiki develops leaves but no roots, consider a separate rooting hormone. For safety, store keiki paste in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.