Have you ever heard of keiki, the “children” of orchids? These little shoots are a wonder of nature, ready to transform into beautiful independent plants.
The orchids they are among the most loved plants for their elegance and beauty, and knowing that you can create others from a single plant is truly fascinating. Keiki, in fact, are clones of the mother plantwhich arise naturally through asexual reproduction. This phenomenon is frequent in species such as phalaenopsis and dendrobium and can be favored by conditions such as high humidity and stable temperatures.
Caring for a keiki it is simple but requires attention: you just need to know when and how to separate it from the mother plant and prepare it for repotting. Find out how to recognize it, care for it and make it bloom, transforming it into a new, magnificent orchid to admire. Your keiki adventure starts here!
What are keiki and why are they formed?
Keiki are small plants that sprout from the stems or nodes of orchids, more frequently in species such as phalaenopsis and the dendrobium. These sprouts are genetic clones of the mother plantcreated through a process of asexual reproduction.
The formation of a keiki it often occurs for natural reasons, such as the age of the mother plant or favorable conditions such as high humidity and stable temperatures. However, keiki can also be a sign that the mother plant is under stress or losing vigor. In these cases, producing a keiki becomes a survival strategy: it is the orchid’s way of ensuring its continuity, even in difficult conditions.
Recognizing a keiki is quite simple. It usually looks like a small green plant that emerges from the stem of the mother plant, with leaves and aerial roots clearly visible. When you notice a keiki, always check the health of the mother plant to make sure it is in good condition and to decide the right time to intervene.
How to care for a keiki on the orchid
Caring for a keiki requires attentionbut the process is within everyone’s reach. Here’s how to best manage the new plant. When you notice a keiki, follow these directions:
- Make sure the keiki roots have reached a length of between 2 and 5 centimeters. This is essential to ensure its survival once separated from the mother plant.
- Check that the keiki has at least a couple of well-developed leaves and a small shoot, a sign that it is ready to be repotted.
- If you decide to remove it, use well-sharpened and disinfected scissors to avoid infection. Gently cut the stem of the mother plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to the keiki.
After separating it, sprinkle the wounds of the mother plant with a little cinnamon powder, which acts as a natural fungicide, protecting the plant from possible infections.
Prepare the keiki for repotting
Before repotting the keikiit is important to prepare a suitable environment for its growth. Follow these simple steps to get a thriving new orchid:
- Prepare a small vase with fresh barkideal for maintaining good drainage.
- Place the keiki in the jargently bending its roots downwards.
- Fill it with more barkuntil the keiki is stable and firm.
- Place the vase in a bright placebut protected from direct sunlight, to prevent the leaves from burning.
Il keiki requirede more humidity than an adult orchida, so remember to spray it regularly. However, avoid leaving stagnant water on the leaves or roots, to prevent rot.
How long does it take for a keiki to flower
Patience is the key to making a keiki flourish. After repotting, it may take one to three years for the seedling to develop its first flowers. In the meantime, take care of your keiki carefully, ensuring it has the right conditions of light, humidity and nutrition.
Now it’s your turn: Look carefully at your orchid and prepare to transform a simple keiki into a new wonder!
photo © stock.adobe
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