The Moth Orchid, scientifically known as Phalaenopsis, is one of the most popular house plants worldwide, cherished for its long-lasting and graceful blooms. When a mature orchid finishes its flowering cycle, the desire to multiply the plant through propagation offers a rewarding path to expanding a collection. The primary methods for creating new, genetically identical plants are through the separation of natural offsets, called keikis, and the manipulation of the spent flower spike using specialized compounds. Both techniques rely on stimulating dormant growth cells to produce a new plant, effectively cloning the parent orchid.
Propagating via Keikis: Full Step-by-Step Guide
Keikis (Hawaiian for “baby” or “child”) are miniature clones that develop naturally on the flower spike of a Phalaenopsis orchid, though they can occasionally emerge from the plant’s base. These plantlets form when growth hormones accumulate at a dormant node on the flower stem, causing the tissue to differentiate into a new plant instead of a flower spike. A keiki is identified by the development of small leaves and aerial roots, distinguishing it from a typical flower bud.
The most important factor for success is allowing the keiki to reach a certain level of maturity while still attached to the mother plant. A keiki is ready for removal when it has developed at least two or three small leaves and its own root system, with the roots measuring a minimum of one to three inches in length. Separating the plantlet too early, before it has established sufficient roots to absorb water and nutrients independently, dramatically reduces its chances of survival.
To remove the keiki, use a sterilized cutting tool, such as a sharp razor blade or snips, to ensure a clean cut and prevent the introduction of pathogens. Cut the flower spike about one inch above and one inch below the keiki, leaving a small section of the spike attached to the new plant for support. After the cut, treat the open wounds on both the mother plant and the keiki with a fungicide, such as powdered cinnamon, which acts as a natural antiseptic.
The new plant should be potted in a small, dedicated container, such as a clear plastic pot, which allows for easy monitoring of the roots and moisture levels. A moisture-retentive medium like sphagnum moss or a fine bark mix is ideal for young keikis because they require consistent humidity to support their developing root systems. Carefully position the keiki in the pot, directing the roots downward, and lightly pack the chosen medium around them, ensuring the base of the plant sits just above the medium’s surface.
Propagating via Flower Spike Cuttings
Propagating a Phalaenopsis via flower spike cuttings is a method used to intentionally force the creation of a keiki where one has not naturally appeared. This process involves the targeted application of a plant hormone to manipulate the dormant nodes along the spent flower spike. Begin by identifying a healthy, spent flower spike that still contains viable nodes, which appear as small, triangular bumps protected by a papery sheath, known as a bract.
Using sterile tools, the first step is to gently and carefully peel back this protective bract covering the dormant node without damaging the underlying tissue. This exposed tissue contains meristematic cells, which have the potential to develop into either a new flower spike or a keiki. Once the node is exposed, a small amount of keiki paste is applied directly to the site using a cotton swab or toothpick.
Keiki paste is a specialized compound containing a concentrated dose of the plant hormone cytokinin (often listed as 6-benzylaminopurine or BAP). Cytokinin is a growth regulator that promotes cell division, encouraging the dormant node to produce vegetative growth—a keiki—rather than a new flower spike. The paste provides the localized hormonal signal necessary to initiate this cloning process.
After applying the paste, development is slow, often taking several weeks or months to see discernible growth emerging from the node. Keeping the entire orchid in a warm, humid environment encourages a faster response. The primary method involves applying paste to the attached spike. Some growers experiment with cutting the spike into sections, each containing one treated node, and laying them horizontally on damp sphagnum moss. However, this method is more demanding and less successful than treating the spike while it remains connected to the mother plant for continuous nutrients.
Essential Care for Newly Propagated Orchids
Newly separated keikis and developing nodes on spike cuttings require more attentive care than a mature Phalaenopsis orchid due to their vulnerability. High humidity is necessary for these young plants, as it supports the tender new leaves and roots, which have a limited capacity for moisture retention. Maintaining humidity levels around 60% to 70% is beneficial, often achieved by placing the small pot on a pebble tray or using a humidity dome.
Warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 80°F during the day, also help stimulate the necessary metabolic activity for root and leaf development. Watering must be consistent, with the potting medium kept lightly moist, especially if using sphagnum moss, but never soggy, to prevent the onset of rot. Misting the small leaves and aerial roots daily can further supplement the moisture the plant receives.
New orchids require bright, indirect light, similar to that of the parent plant, but direct sun exposure must be avoided as it can quickly scorch the delicate foliage. A north or east-facing window is often suitable, or a shaded spot near a south or west-facing window. Fertilization should be withheld until the keiki is well-established and shows clear signs of new growth. Once growth is steady, a highly diluted orchid fertilizer, perhaps a quarter-strength solution, can be introduced.