In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of dendrobium orchids and explore the intriguing phenomenon of keikis. We will discuss why dendrobium orchids produce keikis, the signs that indicate it’s time for keikis to be removed, the benefits of doing so, and the correct procedure for removal. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how and when to remove keikis from dendrobium orchids to foster their optimal growth and vitality.

When to Remove Keikis from Dendrobium Orchids?

What are Dendrobium Orchids Keikis?

Before we delve into when to remove keikis from dendrobium orchids, let’s take a moment to understand what keikis are. The term “keiki” comes from the Hawaiian word for “baby” or “child,” and it aptly describes these miniature plantlets that grow on the mother plant.

Keikis can develop at various points on the mother plant, including along the stem between leaves, at nodes, or even at the base of the plant. They often resemble tiny versions of the mother plant, complete with leaves, pseudobulbs, and aerial roots.

These miniature replicas may seem like a natural addition to your dendrobium orchid, but they serve a specific purpose in the plant’s life cycle. Keikis are essentially the plant’s way of reproducing asexually, allowing it to propagate and produce new, genetically identical individuals without the need for pollination.

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Why Do Dendrobium Orchids Produce Keikis?

The production of keikis is a survival strategy employed by dendrobium orchids in response to certain environmental or physiological cues. Understanding why dendrobium orchids produce keikis can provide valuable insights into when it’s appropriate to remove them.

1. Stress Response: Dendrobium orchids often produce keikis as a response to stress or unfavorable growing conditions. This stress may be triggered by factors such as inadequate light, insufficient nutrients, or fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
2. Genetic Diversity: In nature, dendrobium orchids primarily reproduce through seed production, which introduces genetic diversity into the population. However, in cultivation, where specific cultivars are desirable, keikis allow growers to propagate plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the preservation of desired traits.
3. Overcrowding: In a crowded environment, such as a densely potted dendrobium orchid, the mother plant may produce keikis as a way to explore new growing space. This can result in keikis developing at the base of the plant or along the stem where space is available.
4. Injury or Damage: Keikis can also develop in response to injuries or damage to the mother plant. If the main growth point of the orchid is damaged, the plant may produce keikis as a means of ensuring its survival.

Now that we have a basic understanding of why dendrobium orchids produce keikis, let’s explore the signs that indicate it’s time to remove them.

Signs that Your Dendrobium Orchid is Ready to Produce Keikis

Keikis don’t appear on dendrobium orchids without reason. Certain signs and conditions suggest that your orchid is preparing to produce these miniature plantlets. Recognizing these signs is crucial in determining when to remove keikis. Here are some indicators:

1. Mature Pseudobulbs: Dendrobium orchids typically produce keikis when the pseudobulbs on the mother plant are fully mature. These pseudobulbs store energy and nutrients, which are essential for the development of keikis.
2. Aerial Roots: Keikis often emerge from nodes with aerial roots. If you notice nodes with healthy aerial roots on your dendrobium orchid, it may be a sign that the plant is ready to produce keikis.
3. Presence of Multiple Nodes: When your dendrobium orchid has several nodes along the stem, especially those with aerial roots and signs of budding growth, it’s an indication that keikis may soon appear.
4. Stressed or Crowded Environment: If your orchid has been exposed to stress factors or is growing in a crowded pot, it may respond by producing keikis as a survival mechanism. In such cases, removing keikis can alleviate overcrowding.
5. Previous Keiki Production: If your orchid has previously produced keikis, it may be more likely to do so again in the future. Keep an eye on the areas where keikis have appeared before.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the benefits of removing keikis from your dendrobium orchid.

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Benefits of Removing Orchids Keikis

Removing keikis from your dendrobium orchid offers several advantages, both for the mother plant and the newly separated keikis. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Growth for Mother Plant: By removing keikis, you reduce competition for resources such as light, nutrients, and space. This allows the mother plant to direct more energy toward its own growth and flowering, resulting in healthier and more robust pseudobulbs.
2. Propagation: If you wish to propagate your dendrobium orchid or create additional plants with the same genetic characteristics, keikis provide an excellent source of new plants. Separated keikis can be potted individually and grown into mature orchids.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Removing keikis can enhance the overall appearance of your dendrobium orchid. A well-pruned and tidy orchid with a single, healthy stem often looks more attractive than one with multiple keikis crowding the main stem.
4. Prevention of Disease: Overcrowded and cramped growing conditions can create a hospitable environment for pests and diseases. By removing keikis, you reduce the risk of these issues and can maintain better orchid health.

When to Remove Keikis from Dendrobium Orchids?

Signs It’s Time to Remove a Keiki:

Determining the right time to remove a keiki from your Dendrobium orchid involves careful observation. Look for the following signs that indicate it’s time for removal:

• Sufficient Root Development: The keiki should have developed roots that are a few centimeters long. These roots are necessary for the keiki to establish itself as an independent plant.
• Adequate Leaf Growth: The keiki should also have leaves that are approximately ten centimeters long, including the stem. Healthy leaf growth is a sign that the keiki can photosynthesize and sustain itself.
• Positioning: Ensure that the keiki is positioned in a way that allows for safe removal without damaging the mother plant.

Timing Considerations:

Timing is crucial when it comes to removing keikis from Dendrobium orchids. If you remove them too early, they may not have the strength to survive on their own. Conversely, if you wait too long, the keikis may become too attached to the mother plant, making removal difficult.

The best time to remove a keiki is when it has developed sufficient roots and leaves, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, consider the following tips for optimal timing:

• Avoid removing during active growth: It’s generally best to avoid keiki removal during the active growth season. Wait until the orchid is in a more dormant phase to reduce stress on both the keiki and the mother plant.
• Spring or early summer: If possible, aim to remove keikis during the spring or early summer when the orchid is naturally transitioning to a less active growth phase.

Now that you know when to remove a keiki, let’s move on to the practical steps of how to do it correctly.

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How to Remove Keikis from Dendrobium Orchids?

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

Before you begin the keiki removal process, gather the necessary tools and materials:

• Sharp Sterilized Grafting Tool: A sharp, sterilized grafting tool is essential to ensure a clean and precise cut.
• Alcohol for Disinfection: Use alcohol to disinfect the grafting tool to prevent the spread of pathogens.
• Pot for Transplanting: Prepare a pot with a diameter of about 8 centimeters (3 inches) for transplanting the keiki.
• Special Orchid Mix: You’ll need a suitable orchid potting mix to provide the keiki with the right growing medium.
• Water Sprayer: Have a water sprayer on hand to moisten the potting mix and aid in the transplanting process.
• Small Pebbles (Optional): Small pebbles can be used to stabilize the keiki if it has difficulty staying upright in the pot.

Step-by-Step Removal Process:

Follow these steps to safely remove a keiki from your Dendrobium orchid:

1. Inspect the Keiki: Carefully examine the keiki and locate the base where it connects to the stem. Sometimes, this base may be hidden by the roots.
2. Prepare Your Grafting Tool: Ensure that your grafting tool’s blade is sharp and has been disinfected with alcohol to minimize the risk of infection.
3. Remove the Keiki: Using the tip of the grafting tool, gently and precisely remove the keiki from the stem. Be cautious not to damage the keiki’s root system or the stem of the mother plant.
4. Prepare a Pot: Choose a pot with an 8cm bottom diameter and fill it with a suitable orchid mix, such as a Special Orchids mixture. Moisten the mixture lightly.
5. Plant the Keiki: Place the keiki’s roots over the potting mixture, ensuring that the substrate is level with the pot’s surface. Keep the keiki upright throughout the process.
6. Support if Needed: If the keiki has difficulty staying upright due to the lightweight substrate, you can place a few small pebbles on the mixture’s surface to provide stability.
7. Water the Substrate: Lightly spray the substrate’s surface to ensure adequate moisture for the keiki.
8. Optimal Placement: Place the baby Dendrobium orchid in a warm, well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Note: If the stems get too long and get old, it can become a bit of a mess, at which point you can cut the cane off at the base and take a section of the stem that holds the keiki at the same time. You will plant everything in the same substrate and offer the same care as described above.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Removing Keikis from Dendrobium Orchids

While removing keikis can be beneficial, there are some common mistakes that growers should avoid to ensure a successful process. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Premature Removal: Removing keikis too early, before they have developed sufficient roots or pseudobulbs, can lead to their failure to thrive. Ensure that the keikis are mature enough before separation.
2. Neglecting Sterilization: Failing to sterilize your cutting tools can introduce pathogens and diseases to the orchid. Always sterilize your scissors or pruning shears before use.
3. Overhandling: Excessive handling of keikis can damage delicate roots and pseudobulbs. Handle them with care to minimize stress.
4. Inadequate Aftercare: Neglecting the proper care and conditions for the separated keikis can result in their failure to establish and grow. Maintain appropriate humidity and light levels.

Aftercare for Keikis and Mother Dendrobium Plant

After removing and potting the keikis, proper aftercare is crucial for their successful growth and development. Here are some essential tips for aftercare:

1. Maintain Humidity: Ensure that the environment around the keikis remains consistently humid. Humidity levels of 60% or higher are ideal for promoting healthy growth.
2. Indirect Light: Place the keikis in an area with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
3. Watering: Keep the potting mix or sphagnum moss slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the medium to dry slightly between watering.
4. Fertilization: Keikis should not be fertilized until they have established themselves in their new containers. Once they demonstrate active growth, you can begin a diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer regimen.
5. Repotting: As the keikis grow and fill their pots with roots, you may need to repot them into larger containers. Use this opportunity to assess their overall health and adjust care accordingly.

Conclusion

Keikis are a fascinating aspect of dendrobium orchids, offering opportunities for propagation and maintaining desired genetic traits. Knowing when to remove keikis from Dendrobium Orchids is essential to ensure the health and vitality of both the mother plant and the offspring.

With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to navigate the world of keikis and make informed decisions regarding the removal and care of these miniature wonders. By doing so, you can enjoy the continued beauty and vitality of your dendrobium orchids for years to come.