Keiki

nounStandard termFarming

A small plantlet that grows asexually on the floral spike of an orchid.

A keiki is an exact genetic clone of the mother orchid that develops at a node along the flower stem. Horticulturists often induce them using hormone pastes. Once the keiki develops its own root system, it can be carefully detached and potted to grow into a mature, independent plant.

Heard on the job

Don't cut that Phalaenopsis spike yet, it looks like it's pushing out a keiki at the top node.

Insider tip

Wait until the keiki has at least three leaves and three roots that are three inches long before separating it from the mother plant.