Functions and care of orchid keikis without roots

Orchid keikis without roots are small offshoots that grow on flower spikes or old stems of the parent plant. Although these baby plants may seem delicate, with proper care, they have every chance of becoming a fully-grown orchid. In this article, we will explore what to do with rootless orchid keikis, how to properly root them, and help them grow into a healthy orchid.

1. What are orchid keikis without roots?

Orchid keikis are small offshoots that appear on the flower spike or stem of the parent plant. They are usually formed either due to stress or favorable conditions when the orchid receives sufficient light and moisture. In such cases, the plant attempts to reproduce, creating miniature copies of itself.

• On a flower spike: keikis often appear on a flower spike once the orchid has finished blooming. New offshoots form in the places where buds used to be, eventually becoming independent plants.
• Without roots: in the early stages, a keiki does not have its own roots, and in this situation, it requires extra attention and proper care to develop its root system and become a full-fledged orchid.

2. What to do with a rootless orchid keiki?

When an orchid keiki without roots appears, it's important to act carefully to help it grow.

• Do not remove the keiki immediately: the keiki should not be separated from the parent plant until it has developed its own roots. The parent orchid nourishes the keiki, providing it with moisture and nutrients.
• Create high humidity conditions: it's essential to create high humidity conditions for the keiki to stimulate root growth. This can be done by using a plastic greenhouse or regularly misting the plant.
• Support optimal temperature: keep the temperature between 22-25°c, as warm conditions promote root formation.

3. How to root a rootless orchid keiki

Rooting an orchid keiki without roots requires patience and specific methods.

• Using sphagnum moss: one of the most popular rooting methods is using moist sphagnum moss. Place the keiki on the moss, which should be kept damp to create the ideal conditions for root formation.
• Spraying root growth stimulators: mist the keiki with water mixed with root growth stimulators, such as succinic acid or specific growth hormones. This will accelerate the development of roots and strengthen the keiki.
• Supporting greenhouse conditions: create a mini-greenhouse to retain moisture. You can use a clear plastic container or bag with small holes for ventilation. This will create the ideal conditions for root formation.

4. How to separate and transplant a rootless orchid keiki

Separating and transplanting a rootless orchid keiki requires careful attention and adherence to certain steps.

• When to separate the keiki: the keiki should only be separated once its roots are at least 3-5 cm long. This ensures that the keiki can absorb water and nutrients independently.
• Careful separation: use a sterilized knife or scissors to carefully separate the keiki from the flower spike or stem. It's important not to damage the developing root system.
• Planting in substrate: after separation, the keiki should be planted in a substrate suitable for orchids. Use a mix of bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss to provide good aeration and moisture retention.

5. How to grow roots on a rootless orchid keiki

If you have a separated keiki without roots, you need to create conditions for rapid root development.

• Rooting in water: one method for growing roots is to use water. Immerse the base of the keiki in water so that only the bottom part of the plant touches the water. Change the water every 2-3 days to avoid stagnation.
• Above-water method: keep the keiki above the water surface so it absorbs moisture from evaporation. This method helps stimulate root growth without the risk of rot.
• Rooting in expanded clay: plant the keiki in a pot with moist expanded clay to allow the roots to receive moisture and oxygen. This is a more modern method that also yields good results.

6. How to save a rootless orchid keiki

If the keiki starts losing leaves or its growth has slowed, it's important to act immediately to save it.

• Increase humidity: increasing the humidity around the keiki will help stimulate recovery and accelerate root growth. Use moist moss or place the keiki in a mini-greenhouse.
• Use growth stimulators: regularly treat the base of the keiki with root growth stimulators to promote its recovery.
• Avoid direct sunlight: place the keiki in a spot with indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight, which may add additional stress.

7. Frequently asked questions about rootless orchid keikis

• Can you plant a keiki without roots? Planting a keiki without roots is possible, but it will not be able to absorb moisture and nutrients from the substrate right away. It is recommended to wait until roots appear before planting.
• How to separate a rootless keiki? It is best not to separate the keiki until it has grown roots. Otherwise, it will struggle to adapt to new conditions.
• What to do if an orchid has a rootless keiki on a flower spike? In this case, it's crucial to create the ideal conditions for root formation: high humidity, warmth, growth stimulators, and regular misting.

8. Supporting optimal conditions for rooting

To ensure the keiki grows successfully and develops roots, it is important to create optimal conditions:

• Humidity: maintain high humidity to encourage root growth. Use a spray bottle or create a mini-greenhouse.
• Temperature: the temperature should be stable, around 22-25°c. Too cold or too hot conditions may slow down root growth.
• Lighting: provide diffused light, avoiding direct sun. Keikis need sufficient light for photosynthesis and growth, but direct rays can cause burns.

Conclusion

Rootless orchid keikis can grow into fully-fledged plants if given the necessary attention and optimal rooting conditions. It is crucial not to separate the keiki until it has grown roots, to use growth stimulators, and to maintain optimal humidity and lighting. With the right approach and patience, a keiki can develop roots, grow, and turn into a beautiful and healthy orchid.