When should you remove an orchid keiki? Remove an orchid keiki once it has a few leaves and several strong roots 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long. The American Orchid Society and UC Master Gardeners both use that root length. Cut with a sterile blade, then pot it in a small pot of fine bark or loose sphagnum moss.
Key takeaway: An orchid keiki is a baby plant, a clone of the parent, that grows on a flower spike or cane. “Keiki” is Hawaiian for baby. The American Orchid Society says to wait until it has several strong roots at least 2 to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long before cutting it free. It is most common on Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.
| Step | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where keikis form | Flower spike or cane of Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium | AOS; UC ANR |
| Ready to remove | Several roots 2–3 in (5–8 cm) long | AOS; UC ANR |
| Roots count | 2–3 roots on Phalaenopsis | UW Miller Library |
| Leaves | A few leaves of its own | UC ANR |
| Cutting tool | Sterile; AOS author uses one razor blade per plant | AOS |
| Potting medium | Bark (UC ANR) or loose sphagnum | UC ANR; our guidance |
| Phalaenopsis comfort range | 64–77°F (18–25°C), 60–80% humidity | UC ANR |
What Is an Orchid Keiki?
An orchid keiki is a plantlet that forms along an orchid stem and grows into a copy of the parent. UC ANR Master Gardener Shelby Kolstad describes it as an offshoot with its own air roots that can be cut away and potted. Because it is a clone, the flowers will match the parent plant, unlike orchids grown from seed.
- Common on: Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) and Dendrobium, per the American Orchid Society.
- Where it forms: on the flower spike, a cane, or sometimes the base.
- Base keikis: a “basal keiki” sharing the parent’s roots is often left attached (our guidance).
The UW Miller Library relays a commercial grower’s tip: after cutting a Phalaenopsis spike above a node and moving the plant to a dimmer spot, dormant “eyes” often grow into keikis.
When Should You Remove a Keiki?
Remove an orchid keiki once its roots can support it. The American Orchid Society says it should have several strong roots at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) long before you cut it. UC ANR agrees on 2 to 3 inches (7.6 cm) and adds that it should have leaves. The UW Miller Library notes 2 to 3 roots for Phalaenopsis.
- Wait: no roots, or roots under 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Ready: 2 to 3 firm roots 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm) long and 2 or more leaves.
- Timing: spring, when roots are actively growing, is a good window (our guidance).
You can also leave an orchid keiki attached. The parent keeps feeding it, and the two can grow into a fuller clump.
How Do You Cut an Orchid Keiki From the Parent?
Use a sterile tool and cut the spike, not the keiki. American Orchid Society author advice stresses sanitation because orchid viruses spread easily on blades; the writer uses a new single-edge razor blade for each plant. The UW Miller Library says to slice between stem and keiki or cut the stem above and below the attachment point.
- Water the parent the day before.
- Sterilize a blade, or use a fresh razor blade.
- Cut the spike about 1 in (2.5 cm) above and below the keiki.
- Keep the short spike piece on the keiki as a handle.
- Let cut ends air-dry for a few hours before potting (our guidance).
For more on handling young roots, see our guide to sphagnum moss propagation.
How Do You Pot an Orchid Keiki?
Pot an orchid keiki in a small container, usually 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm) across. UC ANR recommends a bark medium. Loosely packed, pre-moistened sphagnum moss also works and holds more water for a small plant. Keep the base of the leaves above the medium so water does not sit in the crown (our guidance).
- Pot size: just big enough for the roots.
- Light: bright, indirect light; see grow lights for orchids.
- Climate: UC ANR lists 64–77°F (18–25°C) and 60–80% humidity for Phalaenopsis.
- Feeding: wait for new root tips, then feed weakly; see fertilizer for orchids in water.
Can You Root a Keiki in Water or LECA?
Yes, many growers raise an orchid keiki in semi-hydroponics. The American Orchid Society has hosted webinars on semi-hydroponic orchid growing by Ray Barkalow, who pioneered the method, and on inorganic media. In practice, a keiki with 2-inch roots adapts best; set it in LECA with a shallow water reservoir and keep the crown dry (our guidance).
- LECA: see our semi-hydroponics with LECA guide.
- Water culture: see water culture orchids; full water culture needs regular water changes.
- Rootless keikis: suspend roots just above water in a humid cup rather than submerging the stem (our guidance).
Orchid roots grown in water look different from bark-grown roots, so switch media only once, while the keiki is young.
FAQ About Orchid Keiki
What does keiki mean?
It is Hawaiian for baby.
Is a keiki identical to the parent?
Yes; it is a clone, so flowers match.
How long should keiki roots be?
At least 2–3 in (5–8 cm), per AOS and UC ANR.
Can I leave a keiki on the plant?
Yes; it can grow into a clump.
What do I pot a keiki in?
Fine bark or loose sphagnum in a small pot.
Will a keiki bloom?
Usually once mature, often in one to two years (our experience).
Sources
- American Orchid Society — Dividing Overgrown Orchids (Keikis section)
- UC ANR Master Gardeners — Propagation of Phalaenopsis Cultivar, Moth Orchid
- University of Washington Elisabeth C. Miller Library — Propagating Phalaenopsis Orchids
- American Orchid Society — Semi-hydroponic Orchid Growing (webinar)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Little orchid D1306 keiki before cutting by Tangopaso (Public domain); Phalaenopsis Keikis 01 by-dpc by David Perez (CC BY 3.0)