Keiki paste is a specialized horticultural product designed to stimulate plant growth. This paste contains plant hormones that encourage the development of new plantlets, often called “keikis,” or additional blooms, particularly on orchids. Its primary function is to activate dormant growth points on a plant, leading to vegetative or floral proliferation.
Where to Buy Keiki Paste Locally
Keiki paste can be found in physical stores, primarily at plant-focused retailers. Independent plant nurseries and garden centers (including those within larger home improvement stores) often stock specialized plant care products like keiki paste.
Larger retail chains, such as Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowe’s, may also carry keiki paste in their gardening sections. Availability varies by season and location, so it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm stock. When shopping, check specialty plant care aisles, often near orchid supplies or propagation tools.
Top Online Sources for Keiki Paste
If local options are limited, numerous online platforms offer a wide selection of keiki paste. Major e-commerce sites like Amazon and Etsy feature various brands and sellers, often with customer reviews to aid purchase decisions.
Specialized online plant and orchid supply stores are also excellent resources. Dedicated suppliers include Southside Plants (“Crazy Keiki Cloning Paste”) and Botanical LEDs (“Ultimate Keiki Cloning 2 in 1 Paste”), along with stores like Jungle & Loom. When buying online, consider shipping costs and delivery times.
What is Keiki Paste and How Does It Work
Keiki paste consists of a lanolin base infused with plant hormones, primarily cytokinins like benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) or kinetin. These cytokinins are plant growth regulators that promote cell division and differentiation. The lanolin carries the hormones, allowing them to adhere to the plant surface and be absorbed.
When applied to a plant’s dormant nodes, these hormones stimulate latent cells. This can trigger new vegetative growth, forming a genetically identical plantlet (keiki), or encourage a new flower spike. The outcome depends on the plant species and application location; nodes closer to the base often favor keiki formation, while higher nodes may lead to blooms.
How to Effectively Apply Keiki Paste
Effective keiki paste application requires proper plant preparation and tool sterilization. Identify a dormant node, often a small bump or joint on a stem or flower spike. For orchids, gently remove the thin protective bract with clean tweezers or a toothpick to expose the bud.
Apply a small, pea-sized amount of paste directly onto the exposed node using a clean cotton swab or toothpick. A thin, even layer is sufficient; too much paste can hinder growth. Scoring the node before application can improve absorption. After application, maintain the plant’s regular care routine, ensuring adequate light, humidity, and nutrients to support new growth.
Homemade Alternatives for Keiki Paste
While commercial keiki paste offers a targeted hormonal boost, natural alternatives can also encourage plant growth. Willow water, made by soaking willow branches, contains natural auxins that promote rooting and cell division. Seaweed extract, a natural fertilizer, provides micronutrients and growth stimulants.
Aloe vera gel also contains compounds that aid propagation. To use these, apply a diluted solution of willow water or seaweed extract to dormant nodes, or a small dab of fresh aloe vera gel. These natural options may not offer the same concentrated hormonal effect as commercial paste, but they provide a more accessible approach to stimulating new growth.