Keiki Paste: A Quick Growth Nudge for Aroids (5 Easy Steps)

I remember the first time I tried keiki paste on a stubborn aroid—one of those plants that just sits there and does nowt for weeks 😅. I wasn’t expecting much… then the node started to swell and I thought, hang on—this might actually work.

These days, it’s a popular little trick collectors use when they want more growth from rare plants—extra shoots, fresh growth points, the lot. It’s not magic… but it can feel like it when it kicks in.

If you’ve got Monsteras, Philodendrons, or other rare aroids you’re trying to get moving, here’s how I do it in 5 quick steps.

So what even is keiki paste?

Dead simple—it’s a growth hormone paste (cytokinin) that gives a dormant node a nudge so it wakes up and starts doing something.

I think of it as a gentle prompt for your plant (nothing dramatic) 🌱

It’s popular with aroid collectors—Philodendrons, Monsteras, pothos—when you want more growth points without going straight in with a chop. I stock it in 5ml and 10ml pots, and it’s a really affordable way to give your rare plants a boost.

It’s also a proper customer favourite on the shop—tried and tested, with 5-star reviews ⭐️

Step 1: Pick a good node (don’t overthink it)

This is where most people go wrong—putting it anywhere and hoping for best 🙃

Look for a node that’s:

• Healthy + dormant ✔ (no mush, no rot, no pests)
• On a happy plant 💚 (if it’s stressed, it’ll just sulk)
• Easy to reach ✋ (so you’re not snapping stems)

My rule: do one node first. It’s tempting to do the whole stem (I’ve been there), but your plant’s got limited energy—better to focus it.

Step 2: Prep it (quick and clean)

You just want the paste to actually touch the node—simple as that.

• Peel off any dry sheath if there is one (gently!)
• Give the node a tiny scratch with a clean toothpick/sterile blade

I keep toothpicks and cotton buds next to my keiki paste so I’m not rummaging around mid-job (and yep—clean tools matter).

Step 3: Dab it on (tiny amount!)

Less is more here—honestly.

• Use a clean toothpick/cotton bud
• Use a tiny dab (think: pinhead to small pea, depending on node size)
• Smear a thin layer over the scratch—job done ✅

Don’t use your fingers (it’s sticky and you’ll just end up wearing it). I keep my keiki paste in a cool, dark drawer so it stays right.

Step 4: Give it decent conditions (or it won’t bother)

The paste can’t do all the heavy lifting—your plant still needs the basics.

• ☀️ Light: bright, indirect (especially for aroids)
• 💧 Water: steady moisture, not a swamp
• 🌡 Warmth: keep it comfy—cold rooms slow everything down
• 💨 Humidity: helpful, not mandatory (but aroids do love it)

Step 5: Leave it alone (hardest bit 😅)

You’ll usually see something in 1–3 weeks. Sometimes longer—depends on the plant and time of year.

What you’re watching for:

• Swelling/bumping at the node 👀
• A tiny nub of new growth 🌱

Try not to poke it every day (I know, I know). If nothing happens after 4–6 weeks, just pick a different node or wait for proper growing season.

What plants does it work best on?

I’m mainly talking aroids here—because that’s my world:

• Philodendrons (rare ones included) 💚
• Monsteras (handy for extra growth points) 🌿
• Pothos (absolute show-offs for it) ✨
• Hoyas (often respond well) 🌱

One thing though—if your plant’s stressed or battling pests, this won’t “fix” it. Get it healthy first, then give it the nudge.

My mistakes (so you don’t copy me)

• Smearing it on loads of nodes—I stressed a Philodendron doing that. Stick to 1–2 max.
• Expecting instant results—plants don’t run on my schedule 🙄
• Using it on an unhappy plant—sort pests/roots first.
• Not enough light after—no light = no growth. Simple.

Is it worth it for rare plant collectors?

For aroid collectors—yes, it can be.

If you’ve got a rare Philodendron or a slow-grower that won’t branch, keiki paste is one of those popular collector tricks for trying to get extra growth points without going straight in with the scissors ✂️

It’s not a miracle cure though. Your plant still needs decent care, good light, and a bit of warmth.

If you fancy giving it a go, grab a jar of keiki paste, pick one node, and see how you get on. No pressure—just a tidy little experiment.