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If you have access to keiki paste (available online or in garden centers), dab a small amount directly on the node. This helps stimulate growth hormones and increase the chances of a keiki forming.
4. Create a Mini Greenhouse Effect
Place the orchid in a bright, warm area with indirect light. Cover the node area with a clear plastic bag or container to increase humidity around it (mini greenhouse effect). Just make sure the plant still has airflow to avoid mold.
5. Wait and Watch
This is the hardest part — waiting! If a keiki is going to grow, you’ll usually start to see a tiny new shoot within a few weeks to a few months.
Once it develops a few roots (2–3 inches long) and leaves, you can carefully cut it from the mother plant and repot it in a small orchid pot with fresh orchid bark.
☀️ Tips for Success
- Be patient — not every stem will produce a keiki, but many do with time.
- Keep the plant in a humid, warm space (ideally around 70–80°F / 21–27°C).
- Mist the area lightly if the air is dry, but don’t overwater.
- If the entire stem turns yellow or black, it’s time to remove it.
💡 Why This Works
The nodes along a flower spike contain dormant growth buds. Under the right conditions — particularly high humidity, warmth, and sometimes with the help of keiki paste — these buds can reactivate and form new baby orchids.
Think of it as giving your orchid a second chance to multiply — and it doesn’t cost a thing if you’re using natural methods.
🌼 Final Thoughts
Reproducing orchids from old withered branches is a blend of botanical science and patience, and the reward is incredibly satisfying. Watching a new plant sprout from what seemed like a dead stem is nothing short of magical — and it proves just how resilient and fascinating orchids really are.
So next time your orchid finishes blooming, resist the urge to prune it right away. Instead, try this method and see if your orchid wants to give you a little green surprise.
Happy growing! 🌿
Would you like a printable guide or a step-by-step image version of this tutorial? I’d be happy to help create that too!
