Commonly known as: Keiki Cloning Paste
Product Details:
Contains cytokinins in a lanolin base
Available in:
1ml vials
5ml tubs
Keiki Cloning Paste is a specialised plant growth hormone used to activate dormant growth points on plants. It contains cytokinins suspended in a lanolin base, allowing the active ingredient to remain in contact with the node for extended periods rather than drying out immediately.
Unlike rooting hormones, which contain auxins and focus on root production, Keiki Paste works differently. Cytokinins stimulate cell division and shoot formation, encouraging the plant to produce new stems, branches, growth points, or plantlets from dormant nodes.
This distinction is important:
- Auxins = root development
- Cytokinins = shoot and branching development
Keiki Paste is therefore used when the goal is to encourage a plant to branch out, produce additional growth points, or create new plantlets rather than rooting cuttings.
The paste is most commonly associated with orchids, where it is used to produce “keikis” — small baby plants that emerge from dormant flower spike nodes. However, it can also be used very effectively on a wide range of indoor plants, especially climbing and woody species.
Because the hormone is highly concentrated, only a very small amount is required per application. A single vial or tub can therefore treat many nodes over time.
The lanolin base also plays an important role. It keeps the cytokinin sealed against the plant tissue, improving absorption while protecting the treated node from drying out too quickly.
Keiki Cloning Paste Guide
How Keiki Paste Works
Dormant nodes already contain undeveloped growth tissue. Under normal conditions, plants suppress many of these nodes through apical dominance, where the main growing tip controls growth direction.
Applying cytokinin paste interrupts this suppression and signals the plant to activate the dormant node. Depending on the species, this can result in:
- new branches
- side shoots
- additional vines
- plantlets
- fuller growth
Results usually begin appearing within a few weeks during active growing periods.
Using Keiki Paste on Different Plants
Orchids
Keiki Paste is most commonly used on orchids, especially Phalaenopsis varieties. Apply a tiny amount to a dormant node on a flower spike after carefully removing the protective sheath covering the node.
This may stimulate:
- a new flower spike
- a keiki (baby orchid)
- additional branching
Monstera
On Monstera species, Keiki Paste can be applied to dormant aerial root nodes or inactive growth points along the stem.
This is particularly useful for:
- encouraging secondary growth
- creating fuller plants
- activating lower nodes on leggy plants
It can help break apical dominance and encourage branching lower down the stem.
Philodendrons
Climbing Philodendrons respond particularly well to cytokinin stimulation. Applying the paste to visible nodes can encourage:
- side shoots
- multiple growth points
- fuller climbing poles
- denser growth along bare stems
This can be extremely useful on mature climbing plants that have become sparse or overly vertical.
Ficus
On woody plants such as Ficus, Keiki Paste can help activate dormant buds along stems and branches.
This is useful for:
- encouraging branching after pruning
- increasing canopy density
- promoting lower growth on tall stems
Because Ficus naturally suppresses many dormant buds, cytokinin stimulation can dramatically improve fullness over time.
How to Apply Keiki Paste
Step 1 – Identify a node
Locate a dormant node or growth point. These are usually found:
- along stems
- near leaf joints
- beneath old leaf scars
- on orchid flower spikes
Step 2 – Expose the node if necessary
For orchids, gently remove the thin protective sheath covering the node.
Step 3 – Apply a very small amount
Using a toothpick or similar tool, apply only a tiny amount directly onto the node.
More is not better — excessive application can lead to distorted growth.
Step 4 – Wait for activation
During active growing conditions, new growth may begin within several weeks.
Usage Tips
- Best used during active growth periods
- Combine with strong light and regular feeding
- Avoid applying to weak or stressed plants
- Only apply to healthy, established plants
Feeding After Application
Because new shoots require energy, regular feeding helps support growth after activation.
Use:
- Grobest Organic Fertiliser for steady organic feeding
- Novatec Soluble Fertiliser for stronger vegetative growth
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Keiki Paste and rooting hormone?
Keiki Paste uses cytokinins to stimulate shoots and branching, while rooting hormones use auxins to stimulate roots.
Can it be used on Monstera and Philodendrons?
Yes. It works very well on dormant nodes of climbing aroids.
How much should I use?
Only a very small amount is required. Overapplication can cause abnormal growth.
Does it work instantly?
No. Growth activation usually takes a few weeks depending on the plant and conditions.
Can it force a plant to branch?
It can encourage dormant nodes to activate, which often results in additional branching.
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