We received a lot of questions about the “miracle” cloning paste we shared on Instagram. What is it, what does it do, and why is it called “keiki”? In short: keiki paste is an easy-to-apply growth hormone for houseplants that can encourage new leaves or shoots at dormant nodes. It’s especially useful for filling bare spots on pothos, orchids, and other vining or nodal plants. Below we explain what it can and cannot do so your expectations match likely results.
A plant-loving neighbor introduced us to keiki paste a few months ago. We were skeptical at first—could it actually stimulate a dormant node? After trying it on several plants, we can confidently say it’s a very effective tool when used correctly. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a smart option for targeted regrowth.
What Keiki Paste Does
Keiki paste is a growth hormone formulation designed to stimulate new leaf or shoot growth when applied directly to above-ground nodes. Unlike rooting hormone, which encourages root development on cuttings, keiki paste targets the node tissue to promote cell division and bud formation. It’s particularly helpful for filling in bare stretches on vines and encouraging new growth on orchids, pothos, philodendrons, and other nodal plants.
Applied correctly, keiki paste can coax out new leaves, branches, or aerial roots from nodes that appear dormant. It works best as a targeted treatment rather than a broad fix for general plant problems.
What’s Inside Keiki Paste?
Most keiki pastes use a sticky carrier—often lanolin—that holds plant hormones and nutrients in place at the node. The active ingredient in many formulas is a synthetic cytokinin such as 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), which promotes cell division and bud development. This differs from rooting hormones, which commonly use auxins to encourage root formation.
Lanolin, derived from sheep’s wool, acts as a waterproof adhesive that keeps the hormone in contact with the node. It’s sticky—avoid direct contact with eyes or mouth, and wash skin promptly if you get some on your hands.
How to Apply Keiki Paste
Keiki paste is straightforward to use and a little goes a long way. Follow these basic steps for the best chance of success:
- Score the node
- Apply the paste
- Water and wait
Step 1: Score the Node
Make a small shallow cut at the node where you want new growth. Nodes are the bumps along a stem where leaves, branches, or aerial roots emerge. A toothpick, small knife, or even a fingernail can be used to lightly score the surface. If a thin sheath (bract) covers the node, gently peel it away so the paste contacts the tissue directly.
Step 2: Apply the Paste
Use a toothpick or cotton swab to apply a small dab of paste to the scored node—about half the size of a pea. Excess paste can stress the plant, so use sparingly.
Step 3: Water and Wait
After application, care for the plant as usual—provide appropriate light, water, and humidity. New growth can appear in as little as one to three weeks but may take longer depending on species and conditions. Be patient and avoid disturbing the treated nodes while they develop.
Why “Keiki”?
Keiki (pronounced KAY-kee) is the Hawaiian word for “child” or “little one.” In horticulture, it commonly refers to new asexual sprouts on orchids. Because these pastes were initially developed to encourage orchid keiki, the name “keiki paste” became standard even though the product works on many plant types.
Which Plants Benefit from Keiki Paste?
Although created with orchids in mind, keiki paste can be used on most plants that have above-ground nodes. Good candidates include vining houseplants like pothos, philodendrons, and hoyas; flowering plants such as orchids and begonias; trailing succulents like string of pearls; and small indoor trees like fiddle leaf figs and rubber trees. Avoid using it on plants that lack obvious nodes, such as many ZZ plants or snake plants.
When trying new species, treat only a few nodes at a time and use small amounts of paste to minimize stress.
Troubleshooting: Why It May Not Work
Keiki paste can produce impressive results, but it’s not guaranteed. Consider these factors:
- Plant health: The treatment works best on otherwise healthy plants. It will not fix issues caused by poor light, nutrient deficiencies, or improper watering.
- Don’t over-treat: Apply paste to only one or two nodes at a time. Treating many nodes simultaneously can overstress the plant and reduce overall success.
- Other options: For leggy or unattractive stems, pruning and propagation may be a better approach. Vining plants can often be pinned into the soil to encourage rooting at nodes below the surface.
These points aren’t intended to discourage trying keiki paste, but rather to set realistic expectations and encourage careful application for the best results.
Buying and Storage Tips
Keiki paste is sold by several brands and usually comes in small containers. It may seem expensive for the size, but a jar lasts a long time because only tiny amounts are used per node. Store keiki paste in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and keep the container sealed between uses to preserve potency.
More Plant Guides
If you want to learn more about caring for common houseplants, explore guides on low-light species, air-purifying plants, pothos varieties, philodendron care, fiddle leaf figs, and propagation techniques. These topics can help you address underlying care issues and get the most from treatments like keiki paste.