We’ve had a lot of questions about the “miracle” cloning paste we recently showed on Instagram. What is it? What does it do? And why is it called “keiki”? In short: keiki paste is a simple-to-use growth hormone for houseplants that can encourage new leaf or shoot growth from nodes. It’s especially useful for filling bare spots on pothos, orchids, and other vining or nodal plants. It’s a helpful tool for plant parents when used with realistic expectations, so below we explain what it can — and can’t — do.
We first heard about keiki paste from a plant-obsessed neighbor. At first we were skeptical — could it really stimulate a dormant node? — but after trying it we’ve been impressed enough to share our experience. Below is a clear overview of what keiki paste does, how it works, how to apply it, and tips for getting the best results.
What Does Keiki Paste Do?
Keiki paste is a topical plant hormone formulation that encourages new above-ground growth from nodes. Unlike rooting hormone, which contains auxins to trigger root formation on cuttings, keiki paste contains cytokinins that promote cell division and shoot or leaf development. It’s ideal for filling in bare sections of plants such as pothos, orchids, philodendrons, and even some small indoor trees like fiddle leaf figs when applied correctly.
Keiki paste is applied directly to nodes on the stem or vine. It is intended to stimulate new leaves or branches from existing nodes rather than to create roots on cuttings, so its use is focused on above-ground growth rather than propagation of detached pieces.
What’s In Keiki Paste?
Most keiki pastes combine a sticky carrier—often lanolin—with plant nutrients and a synthetic cytokinin such as 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP). Cytokinins support cell division and shoot formation, which is why they are used to encourage sprouting at nodes. The lanolin holds the hormones against the node and helps keep the formulation in place even when watered.
Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance from sheep’s wool. In keiki paste it acts like a waterproof ointment to keep the hormone in contact with the node. Because it’s sticky, avoid prolonged skin contact and keep it away from eyes and mouth.
How to Apply Keiki Paste
Keiki paste is straightforward to use and economical, since only a small amount is needed. The basic process has three steps:
- Score the node
- Apply a small amount of paste
- Water and wait
Video Tutorial
We also made a short 60-second video demonstrating the application. If you prefer written steps with photos, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Score the Node
Make a small shallow cut or scrape at the node where you want new growth. Nodes are the slightly raised areas on a stem where leaves, shoots, or aerial roots once grew. The incision only needs to be shallow; a toothpick or table knife is sufficient. If a thin covering (a bract) hides the node, gently peel it back to expose the node so the paste can penetrate.
Step 2: Apply the Paste
Using a toothpick or cotton swab, dab a very small dot of paste onto the scored node—about half the size of a pea. A little goes a long way; using too much can stress the plant and reduce effectiveness.
Step 3: Water and Wait
After application, care for the plant as you normally would. Ensure it receives adequate water and light for healthy growth. Initial signs of new growth can appear within one to three weeks, but timing varies with plant health and environmental conditions. Be patient and avoid disturbing the treated node.
What Does “Keiki” Mean?
“Keiki” (pronounced KAY-kee) is a Hawaiian word meaning “child” or “little one.” In horticulture it commonly refers to a new, asexual shoot or pup—especially on orchids. The name stuck because these pastes were originally developed for inducing those orchid sprouts, though they work on many other species with above-ground nodes.
Which Plants Can Benefit?
Keiki paste was created for orchids but is useful on most plants that produce nodes above soil level. We’ve used it successfully on several pothos varieties and recommend it for plants such as:
- Vining plants like philodendrons and hoyas
- Flowering plants such as orchids and begonias
- Trailing succulents like donkey tail and string of pearls
- Small indoor trees such as fiddle leaf figs and rubber trees
Avoid plants that lack clear nodes, like zz plants and most snake plants. When trying keiki paste, treat only a few nodes at a time and use small amounts to reduce stress and better assess results.
Troubleshooting: Why It Might Not Work
Keiki paste can be impressive, but it isn’t a guaranteed fix. Common reasons for limited results include:
- Poor plant health. Keiki paste won’t fix underlying problems such as inadequate light, nutrient deficiency, or improper watering. Address those issues first.
- Over-treating. Treating many nodes at once can stress a plant. We generally treat one or two nodes and have better outcomes than when multiple nodes are treated simultaneously.
- Misapplied amount. Using too much paste can harm the node. Stick to a small dab—about half a pea size.
If a vine or section is severely leggy, pruning and propagating cuttings may provide a faster way to restore fullness. You can also pin vines into the potting mix to encourage rooting from nodes if filling the pot quickly is your goal.
Where to Buy and Storage Tips
Several brands sell keiki paste in small jars or tubes. It may seem pricey for the amount you get, but a little paste goes a very long way. Store keiki paste in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency; opaque packaging or a storage tube helps.
More Plant Guides
If you want additional plant care resources, look for guides on low-light houseplants, air-purifying varieties, and specific care instructions for pothos, philodendrons, fiddle leaf figs, succulents, and other common indoor plants. Practical care—light, water, and soil—remains the foundation for successful results when using keiki paste.
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