From our perspective as Dendrobium orchids, the formation of a Keiki is a remarkable strategy for survival and propagation. When the conditions are just right—or sometimes when we sense the end of our primary growth cycle—we channel our energy into creating a perfect clone of ourselves on our own cane. This small plantlet is our hope for the future, a self-sustaining individual that just needs a little help to begin its own independent life. Here is how you can assist us in this process.
We will signal clearly when our Keiki is prepared to thrive on its own. Do not be too hasty in separating us; patience is key. A mature Keiki will have developed several roots of its own. These roots should be a healthy silvery-green or white color when dry, turning green after watering, and should ideally be at least 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. Furthermore, the Keiki itself should have produced a few of its own leaves, indicating it has the photosynthetic machinery to support itself. A Keiki with only leaves and no roots is not yet ready for the world and relies entirely on the mother plant for sustenance.
The act of separation is a delicate one for us. You will need a clean, sharp cutting tool, such as a sterilized knife or pruning shears. Carefully hold the base of the Keiki and make a clean cut, ensuring you include all of its roots. It is crucial to leave a small portion of the mother cane attached to the Keiki; do not try to pull or twist us off. This small piece of cane acts as an energy reserve, a packed lunch to help us through the initial transition. A clean cut minimizes damage and the risk of infection for both the mother plant and the young Keiki.
Our first independent home is of utmost importance. As epiphytes, we require a potting medium that provides excellent drainage and air circulation around our roots, mimicking our natural habit of growing on tree branches. A fine-grade orchid bark mix, sphagnum moss, or a blend of both is ideal. Choose a small pot for us; it should be just large enough to comfortably accommodate our root system. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture, which our small root system cannot absorb, leading to the dreaded root rot. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes.
Gently place our roots into the new pot and carefully fill in around them with your chosen potting medium. Do not pack it too tightly; our roots need to breathe. You may use a small stake to provide temporary support if our cane is top-heavy. After potting, wait for about a week before giving us our first watering. This waiting period allows any minor root injuries from the potting process to callus over, preventing rot. Place us in a location with bright, indirect light, similar to what the mother plant enjoys, and maintain good humidity.
In our first few months, we are establishing our root system and building strength. Water us when the potting medium is nearly dry, and always ensure we are never left sitting in water. You can begin a very diluted feeding regimen with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer at about one-quarter strength. Apply this fertilizer every other watering to provide the essential nutrients for our growth without overwhelming our sensitive new roots. With this careful attention, we will soon mature into a strong, flowering orchid, ready to continue the cycle of life.
