This post is a part of a larger series on orchid keikis.
Keiki (plural: keiki) is the Hawaiian word for “child.” In horticulture, it refers to a young plant or cutting taken from a larger plant. When it comes to orchids, keiki can be grown into new plants by rooting them in water or soil. So what can you do with keiki? Quite a lot, as it turns out!
What Can You Do With Keiki?
Keiki can be used to propagate new plants, which is especially helpful if you want to create more of a certain variety of orchid. To do this, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
Keiki can also be used to create new plants even if they don’t have any roots yet. This is called “air layering” and it’s a bit more complicated than simply rooting a cutting. To air layer an orchid, you’ll need to cut a ring of bark around the stem of the plant, being careful not to cut all the way through. The wound should be about 2-3 inches long. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area, then wrap the wound tightly with sphagnum moss. Next, wrap the entire area with clear plastic, securing it in place with tape or twist ties.
Place the plant in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight and wait for new roots to form. This can take several weeks or even months. Once the roots are well-established, cut the stem below the rooted area and pot up the new plant.
So as you can see, there are quite a few things you can do with keiki! Whether you’re looking to propagate new plants or simply create some interesting new varieties, keiki are a great way to go about it. So get out there and give it a try!
10 Related FAQs
1) What is keiki and what does it mean?
Keiki is the Hawaiian word for “child.” In horticulture, it refers to a young plant or cutting taken from a larger plant. When it comes to orchids, keiki can be used to create new plants by rooting them in water or soil.
2) What are the benefits of propagating with keiki?
There are several benefits to propagating with keiki. First, it’s a relatively easy process that doesn’t require much specialized equipment. Second, it’s a great way to create more of a certain variety of orchid that you like. And third, it’s a fun project that can give you some beautiful new plants to enjoy!
3) How do you propagate keiki?
There are two ways to propagate keiki: by rooting them in water or soil. To root keiki in water, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
To propagate keiki in soil, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
4) How do you care for keiki?
Keiki need to be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight. The growing medium should be kept moist but not soggy. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
5) What are some common problems with keiki?
One common problem with keiki is that they can become stressed if they’re not kept in the right environment. This can cause them to stop growing or even die. Make sure to keep your keiki in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight, and don’t let the growing medium dry out.
6) Can keiki be used to create new plants?
Yes, keiki can be used to create new plants by rooting them in water or soil. To root keiki in water, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
To propagate keiki in soil, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
7) What are some other uses for keiki?
Keiki can also be used to propagate orchids. To propagate keiki in water, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
To propagate keiki in soil, you’ll need to take a cutting from the mother plant that includes at least two nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves are attached). Cut the stem at an angle just below a node using a sharp knife or razor blade. Remove any leaves from the cutting, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth.
Next, fill a pot with sterile growing medium and make a small hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the medium around it. Water the medium well, then place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the medium moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the keiki into a pot of its own.
8) What is keiki paste?
Keiki paste is a type of glue that is often used to attach keiki to their support. It is a water-based adhesive that dries clear and is safe for both humans and plants. To use keiki paste, simply apply a small amount to the base of the keiki and press it against the support. Keiki paste can be found at most garden centers or online.
9) How do I care for a keiki?
To care for a keiki, water it when the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Keiki prefer bright, indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Keiki can be transplanted into larger pots as they grow.
10) What are some common problems with keiki?
The most common problem with keiki is over-watering, which can lead to root rot. Keiki also require high humidity, so if the air in your home is too dry, they may drop their leaves. Keiki are also susceptible to pests, such as mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or other organic pesticides.
Conclusion: Keiki are a type of plant that can be used for various purposes, including propagation and decoration. Thanks for reading!
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