We received many questions about the “keiki” cloning paste we showed on Instagram recently: what it is, how it works, and why it’s called “keiki.” In short, keiki paste is a simple-to-use growth hormone for houseplants that can help fill bare spots on pothos, orchids, and other species. It’s a useful tool for plant care when used properly. Below we explain what it does, how to use it, what to expect, and when it might not be the right solution.
We first learned about keiki paste from a plant-obsessed neighbor a few months ago. At first we were skeptical—can it truly “wake up” a dormant node?—but after using it we’ve come to appreciate its effectiveness when applied correctly. Here’s a clear look at how it works and what it can do.
What Does Keiki Paste Do?
Keiki cloning paste is a plant hormone formulation designed to stimulate new leaf or branch growth from above-ground nodes. It’s particularly helpful for filling in bare sections on vining plants like pothos, for encouraging new growth on orchids, and for stimulating shoots on other node-bearing plants such as fiddle leaf figs. In our experience it worked well to restore sections of a leafless vine on a bathroom shelf.
Keiki paste is different from rooting hormone. Rooting hormone uses auxins to encourage root formation on cuttings during propagation, while keiki paste relies on cytokinins to trigger leaf and shoot production at nodes that remain on the parent plant.
What’s In Keiki Paste?
Most keiki pastes contain a sticky carrier—often lanolin—mixed with plant hormones and nutrients. The active hormone is usually a synthetic cytokinin such as 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), which promotes cell division and can encourage bud and shoot formation. This differs from rooting hormones, which are typically auxin-based.
Lanolin acts as a waterproof adhesive, holding the active ingredients against the node so they can penetrate. It’s quite sticky, so avoid prolonged skin contact and keep it away from your eyes and mouth. If it gets on skin, wash it off promptly.
How To Apply Keiki Paste?
Keiki paste is straightforward to use and a small amount is sufficient. Follow these three basic steps:
- Score the node
- Apply the paste
- Water and wait
Step 1: Score the Node
Make a small cut at the node where you want new growth. Nodes are the bumps on a stem or vine where leaves, branches, or aerial roots originate. The incision only needs to be shallow; a toothpick or table knife is usually enough. If a thin bract covers the node, gently peel it away so the paste can reach the tissue more easily.
Step 2: Apply the Paste
Use a toothpick or cotton swab to place a small dab of paste on the scored node—about half the size of a pea. Excess paste can stress the plant, so less is better.
Step 3: Water & Wait
After application, care for the plant as usual—provide appropriate light, water, and nutrients. New growth often appears within 1–3 weeks, though timing varies with plant health and growing conditions.
What Does “Keiki” Mean?
“Keiki” (pronounced KAY-kee) is a Hawaiian word meaning “child” or “little one.” In horticulture it typically refers to asexual offshoots on orchids. Because these pastes were first developed for orchids, the name “keiki paste” stuck—even though the product works on many other plants.
What Plants Can I Use It On?
Originally formulated for orchids, keiki paste can be used on nearly any plant with above-ground nodes. We’ve used it on several pothos varieties, and it can also be effective on:
- Vining plants such as philodendrons and hoyas
- Flowering plants like orchids and begonias
- Trailing succulents such as donkey’s tail and string of pearls
- Small trees with nodes like fiddle leaf figs and rubber trees
Avoid using it on plants that lack distinct nodes, such as ZZ plants or snake plants. When experimenting, treat only a few nodes at a time and use small amounts to avoid stressing the plant.
Why Isn’t My Keiki Paste Working?
Keiki paste can be impressive, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Common reasons for poor results include:
- Poor plant health: The paste works best on healthy plants. Address light, nutrition, and watering issues first.
- Too many treated nodes: Treat 1–2 nodes at a time. Over-treating multiple nodes can stress the plant and reduce success.
Also consider alternative approaches: sometimes pruning a leggy vine and propagating cuttings or coiling and pinning a vine into the soil to encourage rooting produces a fuller appearance more quickly than stimulating individual nodes.
Where to Purchase Keiki Paste
We purchased the Crazy Keiki Cloning Paste from a small seller, but several brands sell similar products. Prices may seem high for a small jar, but a little paste goes a long way—only a pea-sized amount (or less) per node—so one jar will treat many nodes. Store the paste in a cool, dark place away from direct light; opaque containers and included application sticks help with storage and use.
More Plant Guides
If you want more plant care information, explore guides on low-light plants, air-purifying species, pothos care, propagating succulents, and more. Keiki paste is a handy tool, but it works best when combined with good overall plant care.
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