Today, I will show you in full detail how to grow keiki from an orchid branch. These are orchids that I have successfully propagated from branches, and they have developed plenty of roots. I use the water culture method, and now, they have grown and sprouted new flower branches. If you want to achieve similar results, follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Branch
The first and most important step is to select a healthy orchid branch that is free of disease. The ideal branch should have lost its flowers but still contain viable nodes. The flowers at the end of my selected branch had already fallen, so I immediately cut the flower branches off.
When pruning, always check the nodes on the branch. Empty nodes should be removed, while filled nodes should remain intact. Typically, keiki or flower branches emerge from the tip of the branch, which is why it is essential to avoid cutting full nodes. Each remaining node has the potential to develop a new keiki. I repeated this process on a second branch and left at least four to five nodes per branch to maximize success.
Step 2: Disinfecting the Branches with Coffee Water
To prevent infections and promote healthy growth, I disinfected the cut branches. For this, I used coffee. Coffee is beneficial for orchids because it contains nitrogen (4%), potassium (3%), and phosphorus (1%), all of which are essential for plant health.
To prepare the coffee-based fertilizer:
Add one tablespoon of powdered coffee to a container.
Pour 600 ml of boiling water over the coffee.
Stir the mixture well and let it sit for 12 hours.
After 12 hours, separate the liquid from the pulp using a cheesecloth.
Dilute the extracted coffee water with 400 ml of purified water to create 1 liter of fertilizer.
Now, I use the prepared coffee water for two different purposes. The first purpose is disinfecting the orchid branches. I submerged the cut branches in coffee water and let them sit for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Using Coffee Water on Other Orchids
In addition to disinfecting cut branches, coffee water can be used on other orchids to treat leaf diseases and repel insects. To do this, spray the coffee water onto both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. This natural treatment protects orchids from infestations and fungal infections.
Healthy orchids can also benefit from this fertilizer. Every two months, you can give flowering orchids up to 8 tablespoons of coffee water to encourage the growth of new roots, leaves, and flower branches.
Step 4: Sealing the Cut Ends with Wax
After soaking the branches in coffee water for 30 minutes, I removed them and allowed them to dry completely. The next step is sealing the cut ends of the branches with wax to prevent water loss. To do this:
Light a candle.
Dip the cut ends of the orchid branches into the melted wax.
This sealing process ensures that the branches retain moisture and sprout faster.
Step 5: Creating a Greenhouse Environment
To encourage keiki growth, I use the greenhouse method. This requires a plastic bottle:
Place the sealed orchid branch inside a plastic bottle.
Add a small amount of water to maintain humidity.
Close the bottle tightly and keep it in a bright area.
Using multiple branches increases the chances of success, as some branches may turn yellow and rot. To minimize the risk of failure, apply this method to 2-4 branches at the same time.
Step 6: Monitoring the Growth of Keiki
Over time, the enclosed bottle environment will create humidity, which stimulates keiki development. After a while, you will notice small keiki sprouting from the first or second node. In some cases, flower branches may also grow.
At this stage, continue monitoring the growth process. If mold or rot appears, trim the affected areas and reseal them with wax. Once the keiki has developed two or more healthy leaves, you can transition it to water culture.
Step 7: Water Culture for Root Growth
Since the keiki does not yet have established roots, I use water culture to encourage root growth:
Fill a clean bottle with fresh water.
Place the keiki inside, ensuring only the base touches the water.
Keep the bottle in a well-lit area.
After some time, the keiki will develop strong roots, signaling that it is ready for planting in the soil.
Step 8: Planting the Keiki in Soil
Once the keiki has sufficient roots, it is time to plant it in soil. To do this:
Prepare a planting container with proper drainage.
Add a layer of clay balls at the bottom to improve drainage.
Use pine bark as the growing medium.
Place the keiki into the soil and gently secure it.
Water sparingly, only when the soil begins to dry out.
Step 9: Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
After planting, place the new orchid in a location with plenty of indirect sunlight. Proper lighting is crucial for its development. Continue to water the plant lightly, ensuring the soil never becomes too dry or too wet.
With patience and proper care, your keiki will grow into a thriving orchid.
Final Thoughts
Growing keiki from an orchid branch is a rewarding process that requires careful attention to detail. By following these steps—selecting a healthy branch, disinfecting with coffee water, sealing with wax, using the greenhouse method, and transitioning to soil—you can successfully propagate orchids at home.
If you found these tips helpful, you can share your results or ask any questions in the comments section. Happy orchid growing!
