Today’s orchid care and maintenance tip post is about keiki orchid propagation. You might remember seeing the word keiki in my post about orchid anatomy diagrams and terms. Did you miss it? Not to worry, you can check out that post here. 
(The photo above is of a phalaenopsis keiki that has grown so large, it has fully bloomed while still attached to the mother plant. Amazing isn’t it?!)
I’ve propagated a few keikis from my phalaenopsis orchids over the years—each one has gone on to flourish into a full-size plant using the orchid propagation method below. Phalaenopsis grown this way should reach flowering size 18 months to 2 years after they first appeared.
(Proceed only if the roots of the keiki are longer than at least 2 inches.)
Carefully remove the small plant from the flower spike by cutting the stem 1 to 2 inches either side of the plant, this will ensure that you don’t damage the roots of the keiki.
Assemble the potting ‘kit’ which comprises of a pot large enough for 12 months of growth, a medium grade potting mix, a label with the variety and of course the keiki – see photo.
Carefully pot the keiki in the pot—keeping the roots in tact below the orchid potting mix.
Protect the keiki from direct sunlight and water and fertilize regularly.
Here’s the keiki on June 30th – it has produced a new leave and roots
The same keiki on October 15 – it has another new leaf and a flower spike emerging from the base!
The keiki in full bloom on April 24
Want to learn more tricks of the trade? Sign up for Ryan’s Free Orchid Care Email Tips–he shares his best secrets with his readers. You’ll learn about all the secret orchid care techniques expert growers use to super-charge their plants! Sign up for his tips HERE.
Warmest wishes from sunny Florida,
Carol
The Orchid Care Lady
+ Courtesy of angel orchids
Tags: Orchid Care, Orchid Care and Maintenance Tips, Phalaenopsis Orchid, Potting
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