Keiki Paste

[Greenthumbgirl]

Does anyone have a particular Keiki Paste that they like and use? I heard KeikiGrow Plus is recommended, but I can't find anywhere to buy it...also, one that is relatively cheap would be best. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[berkeleysgr8]

I've only used Keiki Pro. It's not cheap, but I've had some luck with it. It doesn't work 100% of the time... sometimes it seems to burn the nub it's applied to. I've tried writing the company to get more advice about using the product and they've never responded. I'll probably apply it to a few orchids that are currently in bloom once their blooms fade.

[PaulB]

Not sure why one would even use anything at all. The keiki has developed on its own, naturally, so the conditions must be right for this to happen.
I leave any keikis I get on the mother plant until several (at least three, one to two inches long or more) strong roots are developed and then separate carefully and get it into a fine medium (fir bark or coco chips) until mature enough to repot.

my 2¢

[berkeleysgr8]

The reason for using keiki paste is that you can get more flower spikes (if used while the orchid is in bloom) or keikis on plants that don't easily keiki. I think it's worth the gamble. I have been able to get "extra" plants of some of my favorites. It only takes a few times of getting keikis to make the purchase worthwhile.

[bearded orchid]

I haven't had any experience with the paste. However, I have used Keiki Pro and have had similar results as were previously mentioned. It's not cheap but it goes a long way since you only use one drop per direct application and couple drops for spray applications.

I hope this helps.

[PaulB]

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. Old dogs can certainly learn new tricks... at least this one can!

[PaulB]

Actually, I have a couple of Keikis, Den anosmum, brought over here to So Cal. by a friend of mine who grows them professionally for leis in Hawaii. They are doing "okay" now, but they did have quite a struggle for about a month or so. Most likely very weak roots and the transit over didn't help.

I wonder if either of these products would help them get stronger?? Always open to new info...

[bearded orchid]

Originally Posted by PaulB

Actually, I have a couple of Keikis, Den anosmum, brought over here to So Cal. by a friend of mine who grows them professionally for leis in Hawaii. They are doing "okay" now, but they did have quite a struggle for about a month or so. Most likely very weak roots and the transit over didn't help.

I wonder if either of these products would help them get stronger?? Always open to new info...

Are the keikis already separated from the mother? If so, proper culture will be the best bet. It could be that they were separated from the mother plant too soon and were put into shock by the transit. Just give them proper care and they should ease out of it in their own time. I would hold off on any fertilizer until they are a little larger. If you do use some, make sure to dilute it down to .25 strength or so.

Keiki products are generally used just to induce growth in dormant plant tissues rather than an additive for growth. The active ingredient used in most of these products is a chemical solution called Benzyl adenine (aka Benzyl amino purine) which is a synthetic cytokinin. Cytokinins are a type of plant growth substance (phytohormone) that promote cell division, or cytokinesis, in plant roots and shoots. Some also use a synthetic auxin called Naphthalene acetic acid for this purpose, though, this is primarily used in rootng hormones. Keiki Pro boasts that it uses both chemicals in its product.

I suppose you could try an application to your Keiki and see what happens. It could help speed up the plants development however, it may also cause the keiki to start producing another keiki depending on how it is applied.

[otis 226]

Rather than applying something designed to promote cell growth/division. If they were my keikis I'd opt for a spray of liquid seaweed once a week, or more often depending on the concentration used. I've had excellent results using it. ie; a Dtps I really wanted to try saving which was basically only one leaf and a semi rotted stem was suspended over a concentration of liquid seaweed solution, with the stem barely touching. Now 1 month later the little plant has 3 leaves and one strong root that is touching the liquid, (I've allowed the level to go down), and another root coming on. Not a miracle cure, but worth a shot, I think.
Cheers,
Tony

[SarinahL]

Hi Tony,

Great tip! What brand did you use? I've never heard of it.
How was your setup for this?

[PaulB]

Actually Phil, the two keikis on that cane did develop new keikis at the base of the older ones. I've pretty much just watched them and kept them moist. One of the tiny new keikis is developing a tiny root, which is encouraging. They get a lot of morning sun till about 9:30 a.m., then in bright shade. Sort of forcing them to adapt and it seems that they are. This is kind of like watching water come to a boil. Not terribly exciting.

Thanks for the info!

[jpyerry]

I wanted to 'bump' this thread because I am considering purchasing a 'keiki paste' product and I am wondering if in general people have found these types of products to work or not.

I have noticed that all of the keiki pastes available are kind of on the expensive side (for what they are anyway). If any work then the expense is justified, but if I am better off just hoping a plant of mine puts out a keiki, then I might as well save my money.

The reason I ask is that I have a few plants that I would love to develop a keiki or two because I would really enjoy giving them away as gifts (I love sharing), and I think that if the plant comes as a result of work on my part, then the gift is better.

Anyway, I would love to know if anybody has had success inducing a keiki using keiki paste and if so which brand?

Justin

[berkeleysgr8]

I don't think any of the keiki pastes or liquids are a "sure fire" thing. More often than not, I end up with a secondary spike... even when the original spike is dying back. However, I enjoy trying to get keikis! I have Keiki Pro (liquid) and I recently bought keiki paste for about $15 from a Malaysian company on eBay. The one spike I've treated with the paste has developed a lump of new tissue, but it's too early to tell if it will be a spike or a keiki. The two that were treated with Keiki Pro have developed secondary spikes. I've found that the Keiki Pro sometimes burns the treated tissue (though sometimes when that happens, an untreated node will begin to grow). All in all, I think it's worth trying a keiki paste or liquid!