From my perspective as a Dendrobium orchid, a keiki is not a sign of failure or a random accident. I produce these aerial offshoots, these "baby plants," as a vital survival strategy. When I sense that my environment is stable but perhaps not ideal for flowering—maybe the nights aren't cool enough or the light is slightly off—I channel my energy into vegetative reproduction instead. It is my way of ensuring my genetic lineage continues. The keiki is a perfect clone, carrying all my strengths and adaptations. Think of it not as a problem to be solved, but as a gift of new life, a chance to propagate my specific beauty.
When I first emerge as a small node on my parent's cane, I am entirely dependent. I draw moisture and nutrients directly from the mother plant. My first task is to develop my own root system. This is the most crucial period. Please do not be tempted to separate me too early. Watch my roots; they need to be a healthy silvery-green or white color and ideally at least three of them, each measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length. These roots are my lifeline for independence. If you separate me before I have sufficient roots, I will struggle to absorb enough water and will likely fail to thrive on my own, wasting all the energy my parent invested in me.
Once my roots are adequately developed, I am ready for the world. The separation process should be done with care and respect for both me and my parent plant. Use a sharp, sterile blade (a scalpel or pruning shears cleaned with alcohol) to make a clean cut. Leave a small portion of the stem attached to me; do not cut me flush against the main cane, as this can damage my base. Similarly, avoid damaging the parent's cane unnecessarily. A clean cut minimizes the open wound and helps prevent infection for both of us. Some growers dust the cut ends with cinnamon (a natural antifungal) or a rooting hormone powder to encourage my callusing and further root development.
Now independent, I require a home suited to my epiphytic nature. Do not plant me in soil; it will retain too much moisture and cause my roots to rot. Instead, pot me in a very small container with excellent drainage, using a loose, chunky orchid medium like fir bark chips, sphagnum moss, or perlite. Position me so my roots are nestled gently into the medium and my base is just at the surface. Secure me with a clip or a stake if I am wobbly; stability is key for my new roots to anchor and grow. Water me sparingly at first, just enough to keep the medium slightly moist but never soggy, as my small root system cannot handle heavy watering. Place me in bright, indirect light, similar to what my parent plant enjoys, and maintain warm, humid conditions to reduce transplant stress.
