Keiki paste is a specialized plant growth stimulant. This product offers a method to encourage new growth on plants that might otherwise remain dormant. For Monstera owners, keiki paste presents an opportunity to enhance their plant’s appearance and promote fuller growth.
Understanding Keiki Paste
Keiki paste primarily contains cytokinin, a plant hormone that plays a role in plant development. This hormone stimulates cell division, activating dormant nodes on a plant. The paste typically uses a waxy carrier, which allows for precise application and helps the active ingredients adhere to the plant surface.
Why Use Keiki Paste on Monstera
Using keiki paste on Monstera plants encourages bushier growth, particularly on leggy stems. It activates latent growth points along the stem, transforming a sparse vine into a fuller specimen. The paste can also stimulate dormant aerial root nodes to produce new foliage, useful for creating a more robust plant or preparing sections for propagation.
Applying Keiki Paste to Monstera
Begin by sterilizing tools, such as a sharp knife or toothpick, to prevent pathogen transfer. Identify a suitable node on your Monstera, which appears as a faint ring or small bump. For Monstera, it is beneficial to make a small incision or gently score the protective layer over the dormant bud at the node before applying the paste.
Apply a very small amount of keiki paste, roughly a tiny dab or a pea-sized amount, directly onto the exposed area of the node. Gently rub the paste to ensure it covers the cut or dormant bud completely. Precision in application is important. Patience is needed, as results can take time to become visible.
Post-Application Care and Expectations
After applying keiki paste, maintain optimal environmental conditions to support new growth. Provide adequate light, as insufficient light can hinder the paste’s effectiveness. Consistent humidity also supports new development.
New growth typically appears within two to eight weeks. The emerging growth might manifest as new leaves, additional aerial roots, or entirely new stems. Observing these changes requires regular inspection.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, keiki paste may not yield expected results due to several factors. Insufficient light, improper application, or an unhealthy plant can contribute to a lack of response. The paste is a stimulant, not a remedy for underlying plant health issues.
Using too much paste or applying it to a stressed plant can lead to unwanted growth patterns or negative reactions. If new growth does not appear, assess the plant’s overall health, light exposure, and watering routine.