How to Use Keiki Paste
If you're a plant enthusiast looking to expand your indoor garden or encourage new growth on your favorite houseplants, Keiki paste might just be your next go-to tool. This liquid plant hormone is a game-changer for anyone interested in plant propagation or boosting shoot growth on existing plants.
What is Keiki Paste?
Keiki paste is a hormone-rich gel that stimulates the growth of shoots, making it a valuable tool for plant propagation. Originally popular among orchid growers, it's now being used on a variety of plants to encourage the growth of new "keikis," or buds. Whether you're trying to propagate cuttings or enhance growth on an established plant, Keiki paste can help you achieve those lush, thriving results.
How Does Keiki Paste Work?
Keiki paste contains cytokinin, a plant hormone that promotes cell division and growth. When applied to a plant's node or a fresh cutting, the paste encourages the development of new shoots, leading to more vibrant and fuller plants. This hormone essentially "wakes up" dormant nodes, prompting them to produce new growth.
How to Apply Keiki Paste
Using Keiki paste is simple, but it requires a bit of precision:
1. Prepare the Plant: Identify the node on your plant where you want to encourage new growth. For orchids, this is usually a dormant node on the flower spike. For other plants, look for a healthy node on the stem.
2. Make a Small Cut: With a sterilized blade or knife, make a small incision on the node or the desired area. This step isn’t always necessary, but it can help the paste penetrate better and stimulate growth more effectively.
3. Apply the Paste: Using a clean applicator or cotton swab, apply a small amount of Keiki paste directly onto the cut or node. Be careful not to over-apply; a little goes a long way.
4. Wait and Watch: Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on the treated area. With time, you should start to see new shoots or buds forming.
Tips for Success
- Use Sparingly: A small amount of Keiki paste is sufficient. Overapplication can sometimes result in unwanted or excessive growth.
- Be Patient: It can take a few weeks to a few months for visible growth to appear, depending on the plant and environmental conditions.
- Keep Conditions Ideal: Ensure your plant is receiving proper care—adequate light, water, and nutrients will support the new growth stimulated by the Keiki paste.
Why Use Keiki Paste?
For plant lovers, Keiki paste offers an exciting way to propagate new plants or add fullness to existing ones. It’s especially useful for those who enjoy experimenting with plant growth and want to try their hand at creating new shoots from cuttings or dormant nodes.
Whether you're looking to propagate your favorite orchid, coax more leaves from a fiddle leaf fig, or just experiment with plant growth, Keiki paste is a versatile and powerful tool that can help you achieve your green thumb goals.
Give Keiki paste a try and watch your plants thrive with new life!
