Keiki paste is a specialized horticultural product used to encourage the asexual reproduction of orchids and other plants, yielding new plantlets that are genetic clones of the mother plant. The Hawaiian term “keiki,” meaning “baby” or “child,” lends its name to the tiny offsets that form on the parent orchid’s stem or flower spike. This unique paste operates by stimulating dormant nodes, often referred to as “eyes,” into active growth. Creating a homemade version provides a precise and cost-effective method for propagation. This guide details the science behind the paste, provides instructions for its preparation, and outlines the correct application and care needed for successful keiki formation.
The Essential Hormone: What Keiki Paste Needs to Work
The ability of keiki paste to stimulate new plant growth is rooted in the action of a specific class of plant hormones known as cytokinins. These phytohormones are naturally occurring compounds responsible for regulating cell division and differentiation in plant tissues. The primary active ingredient in most commercial and homemade pastes is a synthetic cytokinin called 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP).
Cytokinins function by overriding the plant’s natural tendency toward apical dominance, which is the control exerted by the main growing tip over lateral buds. In the presence of high cytokinin concentrations, the dormant buds are chemically signaled to “wake up” and begin dividing. The paste’s high cytokinin concentration forces the node to produce a vegetative shoot (a keiki) instead of remaining dormant or developing into a flower spike.
Creating Your Homemade Keiki Paste
The foundation of a homemade keiki paste involves combining the active hormonal component with a suitable carrier medium. The most common carrier is anhydrous lanolin, a thick, waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool, often available in drugstores as a skin protectant. Lanolin provides a stable, water-resistant base that adheres firmly to the orchid’s spike, allowing the hormone to be absorbed over time.
The process begins by carefully dissolving the 6-BAP powder, which requires a small amount of a solvent like isopropyl alcohol or potassium hydroxide (KOH) before it can be mixed into the carrier. A common, highly effective ratio is approximately one part of the 6-BAP powder to 1000 parts of the carrier medium, such as one gram of 6-BAP mixed thoroughly into 1,000 grams of melted lanolin. Accurate measurement with a scale is highly recommended for safety and efficacy, as hormones in concentrated form require careful handling, including the use of gloves and eye protection.
Once the 6-BAP is dissolved, the lanolin should be gently warmed in a double boiler until it becomes liquid. The dissolved hormone is then slowly stirred into the warm carrier. Continuous stirring for about 15 minutes ensures the hormone is evenly distributed throughout the paste, creating a consistent product. The mixture can then be transferred to a small, airtight container where it will solidify upon cooling, resulting in a thick, functional paste ready for use.
Applying the Paste for Successful Keiki Growth
Successful application of the paste depends on correctly identifying and preparing the target area on the orchid’s flower spike. On monopodial orchids like Phalaenopsis, the dormant nodes appear as small bumps or joints located along the length of the flower stem. Each node is naturally protected by a thin, papery layer of plant tissue called a bract.
Before applying the paste, this protective bract must be gently removed to expose the dormant bud underneath, often using a clean toothpick or a pair of sterilized tweezers. Carefully peeling back this layer allows the hormone to make direct contact with the meristematic tissue of the bud, which is necessary for activation.
A small, pea-sized amount of the paste is then dabbed onto the exposed node using a clean cotton swab or a bamboo skewer, ensuring the entire bud is covered with a thin layer. The location of the application can influence the outcome, as nodes closer to the base of the plant are more likely to produce a keiki, while those higher up may result in a secondary flower spike.
After application, the plant needs favorable environmental conditions to support the energy-intensive process of new growth, particularly higher humidity and adequate light. Maintain the regular watering and feeding routine. Expect to see the node swell and begin to develop visible growth, either as a leaf or a spike, usually within four to eight weeks.
Storing Keiki Paste and Troubleshooting Common Issues
Proper storage is necessary to maintain the potency and effectiveness of the homemade paste over time. The paste should be kept in a sealed container and stored in a cool, dark location, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, which can degrade the hormone. When stored correctly, most keiki pastes maintain their activity for a significant period, often remaining effective for up to two years.
A common reason for application failure is neglecting to fully remove the protective bract covering the dormant bud. Applying an excessive amount of paste can also be counterproductive; a thick, heavy application may sometimes lead to distorted or abnormal growth in the resulting plantlet.
The treated node may produce a secondary flower spike instead of a keiki, which is a natural response often influenced by lower ambient temperatures, as orchids naturally favor flowering during cooler seasons. If the mother plant is unhealthy, stressed, or dehydrated, the hormone application may fail, as the plant lacks the necessary energy reserves to support new growth.