DIY Keiki Paste Recipe: How To Make Homemade Plant Growth Hormone

You can make keiki paste at home by combining 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) powder with lanolin paste at a concentration of around 1,500–2,000 ppm. This DIY plant growth hormone costs a fraction of commercial alternatives, uses the same active ingredient, and works just as effectively for promoting shoot growth on orchids and other houseplants.

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What Is Keiki Paste and How Does It Work?

Keiki paste is a synthetic plant hormone used to stimulate new shoot growth — most famously on orchids, but increasingly on a wide range of houseplants and garden specimens. The name “keiki” comes from the Hawaiian word for “baby,” which perfectly describes what the paste produces: small plantlets that develop from a mother plant’s dormant nodes or stems.

The active ingredient is 6-Benzylaminopurine, or BAP — a synthetic cytokinin. Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that regulate cell division and differentiation. When you apply BAP to a dormant node, it sends a hormonal signal that activates the node and encourages it to produce a new shoot rather than remain dormant. Cytokinin application at bud sites accelerates vegetative growth more reliably than passive growing conditions alone.

Because keiki paste targets shoot growth specifically, it behaves very differently from rooting hormone — a distinction worth understanding before you make your own batch. Unlike keiki paste, rooting hormone contains auxins designed to encourage root development rather than new shoots. If you want to dig into that comparison in more depth, the detailed look at keiki paste versus rooting hormone and the cloning debate is a valuable next read.

What Ingredients Do You Need for a DIY Keiki Paste Recipe?

A homemade keiki paste recipe requires only two core ingredients, plus a small number of inexpensive tools you may already have at home. Gather everything before you start — working with BAP powder is not something you want to pause halfway through to hunt for equipment.

Core Ingredients

• 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) powder — the active hormone. Available from specialist laboratory suppliers and some online horticultural retailers; search for “6-Benzylaminopurine horticultural grade” or reagent-grade BAP. A 1 g quantity is enough to produce multiple batches and will last for months when stored correctly. Cost is typically £5–15 for 1 g depending on the supplier.
• Lanolin paste (USP grade) — the waxy carrier that holds BAP against the plant tissue during absorption. USP-grade lanolin paste is available at most pharmacies, often labelled as a nipple cream base or lip balm ingredient, for around £3–5 per tube. It is the same material used in commercial keiki paste products.

Equipment

• A precision digital scale accurate to 0.01 g — this is essential; a standard kitchen scale is not sufficient
• A small glass or ceramic mixing vessel (avoid plastic, which can absorb fine chemical powders)
• A wooden craft stick or glass stirring rod
• A small sealable glass jar for storage (5–10 ml capacity works well)
• Nitrile gloves and an FFP2-rated dust mask — non-negotiable safety items
• A small bowl of warm water to act as a water bath

Some experienced growers add a drop of ethanol as a dissolving agent to help the BAP disperse more evenly through the lanolin. This is optional — with careful mixing and gentle warmth, BAP incorporates adequately without a solvent. Beginners are better off keeping the recipe to just two ingredients to reduce handling complexity.

How Do You Make Keiki Paste at Home? Step-by-Step Recipe

This recipe produces approximately 10 ml of keiki paste at a working concentration of around 1,500 ppm — consistent with most commercial products. Always put your protective equipment on before you open the BAP container, and work in a ventilated space throughout.

1. Put on your protective equipment first. Nitrile gloves and an FFP2 dust mask go on before anything else. BAP powder is fine enough to become airborne during weighing — respiratory exposure is the primary risk during preparation.
2. Weigh 0.015 g of BAP powder. At this quantity per 10 g of lanolin, you achieve a concentration of approximately 1,500 ppm. If your scale cannot reliably resolve 0.015 g, weigh 0.15 g and use one-tenth of that measured portion.
3. Warm the lanolin gently. Place 10 g of lanolin paste in your glass vessel and set it in a warm water bath at around 40–45 °C for two to three minutes. Warmed lanolin becomes more fluid and far easier to blend powders into evenly.
4. Combine the BAP with the warm lanolin. Add the weighed BAP to the softened lanolin. Stir thoroughly for at least three to five minutes using your craft stick or glass rod. The mixture should look completely uniform — no visible powder particles should remain.
5. Allow the paste to cool. Remove the vessel from the water bath and continue stirring occasionally as it returns to room temperature. It will thicken back to a smooth, spreadable paste as it cools.
6. Transfer to your storage jar. Spoon the finished paste into a clean glass jar. Label it clearly with the contents, BAP concentration (1,500 ppm), preparation date, and a note that it is not for internal use.
7. Clean up carefully. Wash all equipment with warm soapy water. Do not pour any BAP waste down the drain — BAP is harmful to aquatic organisms. Wrap solid waste in paper and dispose of it according to your local guidelines for household chemical waste.

A 1,500 ppm concentration of BAP in lanolin suits most houseplant applications — strong enough to trigger a hormonal response, gentle enough to avoid tissue stress at the application site.

How Does Homemade Keiki Paste Compare to Commercial Products?

Commercial keiki paste products contain the same fundamental active ingredient — BAP in a lanolin or similar wax carrier. The key differences come down to concentration consistency, convenience, and cost. Here is a direct comparison:

Factor	DIY Keiki Paste	Commercial Keiki Paste
Active ingredient	BAP (self-sourced)	BAP (lab-formulated)
Typical concentration	1,000–2,000 ppm (your choice)	1,500–2,000 ppm (standardised)
Cost per gram	£0.10–0.20	£1.50–3.00
Shelf life	6–12 months (if stored correctly)	12–24 months (sealed, with stabilisers)
Quality control	Depends on your measuring accuracy	Consistent batch to batch
Initial equipment cost	£15–30 (scale, glassware, PPE)	None beyond the product itself

For gardeners who use keiki paste regularly — across an orchid collection of ten or more plants, for example — the cost savings are substantial. A 1 g supply of BAP at laboratory grade costs roughly the same as a single commercial tube, yet that 1 g produces five to ten times more paste by volume. Occasional users may find a commercial product more practical, since the quantities of BAP involved in DIY preparation are very small and require a precision scale to measure reliably.

Which Plants Benefit Most from Homemade Keiki Paste?

Keiki paste works on any plant with identifiable dormant nodes, but certain species respond with particular reliability and are therefore the most popular targets among hobbyist growers in 2026. Understanding which plants are good candidates — and which to avoid — saves both product and disappointment.

Orchids (Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium)

Orchids are by far the most common use case, and the results are among the most predictable in home horticulture. Applying a small amount of keiki paste to a node on the flower spike of a Phalaenopsis encourages it to produce a keiki — a baby plant complete with its own roots and leaves — rather than simply reflowering. Dendrobiums respond similarly when paste is applied to dormant cane nodes. Because keiki paste works in concert with the plant’s root system, guidelines on promoting healthy orchid root growth are a useful complement to any keiki paste programme.

Anthuriums and Monsteras

These popular aroids have clearly defined nodes that respond well to BAP application. Many growers use keiki paste to encourage branching on leggy stems or to activate dormant aerial nodes that have not naturally broken dormancy. Cytokinin application on aroid nodes typically produces visible bud emergence within two to four weeks under standard growing conditions.

Succulents

Some succulent enthusiasts use dilute keiki paste to encourage offsets or pups on species that are slow to produce them naturally. Results are more variable here than with orchids, and the paste should be used sparingly — succulents are sensitive to over-application. A rice-grain-sized amount on a clearly identified node is the maximum for any succulent application.

Plants to Avoid

• Bamboo and fast-spreading grasses — already highly vigorous; BAP application can cause runaway, unmanageable shoot production
• Plants under active stress — a plant dealing with root rot, pest infestation, or drought cannot direct energy into new shoot development; address the underlying issue first
• Recently repotted specimens — allow at least four to six weeks of establishment before applying any growth hormone

If the plant you are working with shows signs of stunted or restricted growth, tackling that before reaching for the keiki paste will make a meaningful difference to your results. The practical guide to recovering stunted plants and seedlings covers the preparatory groundwork worth completing first.

How Do You Apply Keiki Paste Correctly?

Correct application technique is where many home growers run into trouble. Too much paste, the wrong location, or poorly timed application all reduce effectiveness and can harm the plant. Follow these steps for reliable results:

1. Identify the target node. Look for a visible node — a bump, scale, or dormant bud — on the stem or spike. On orchid flower spikes, nodes sit beneath the small papery bracts spaced along the spike at intervals of roughly 5–8 cm.
2. Gently remove the bract (orchids only). Use a clean toothpick or fingernail to peel back the small papery scale covering the node. This single step increases paste absorption significantly by exposing the node tissue directly.
3. Apply a rice-grain-sized amount. Use a toothpick to transfer a tiny quantity of paste — genuinely no larger than a grain of rice — and dab it directly onto the exposed node. Do not spread it across the surrounding stem.
4. Do not disturb the application site. Avoid watering directly over the paste. It needs to remain in contact with the node tissue for absorption to occur over the first 24–48 hours.
5. Wait and observe. Under good light and temperatures between 18–25 °C, bud emergence typically becomes visible within two to six weeks. If nothing appears after eight weeks, check the plant’s overall condition before considering a second application.

One factor that is often underestimated is the role of the wider growing environment in supporting the plant’s response to keiki paste. Even a well-made paste cannot compensate for poor soil biology or an inadequate nutrient base. If you are optimising the whole system, exploring soil inoculants that boost plant growth with beneficial microbes is a worthwhile parallel step.

What Safety Precautions Are Essential When Making Keiki Paste?

BAP is classified as a potential irritant and requires careful handling during preparation. The quantities used in a single batch are small, but the powder form presents genuine risks if treated carelessly. Working safely is straightforward — it just requires the right habits before you open any containers.

• Wear nitrile gloves throughout. BAP absorbs through skin and can cause localised irritation. Standard disposable nitrile gloves provide adequate protection during mixing and application.
• Use an FFP2 or higher-rated dust mask. BAP powder particles are fine enough to become airborne during weighing. Inhalation causes respiratory irritation and should be avoided entirely.
• Work in a well-ventilated area. Open a window or work outside on a calm day. If using a warm water bath, some very light vapour may be produced — ventilation keeps concentration negligible.
• Keep food and drink out of the workspace. Treat the preparation area as a chemistry bench. Cross-contamination is an easy accident to prevent if you maintain that boundary from the start.
• Label everything clearly. Your finished paste should be labelled with its name, concentration, date, and a clear note that it is not for internal use. Store it out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of chemical waste responsibly. BAP has documented adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Do not rinse waste down the sink. Wrap solid waste securely and dispose of it as per your local household chemical waste guidelines.

As you watch your keiki paste take effect and new growth begins to develop, understanding the wider biological process enriches what you are seeing. The detailed explanation of callus formation in plant propagation covers the tissue-level responses that precede and support visible shoot emergence.

How Long Does Homemade Keiki Paste Last and How Should You Store It?

Properly made and stored, homemade keiki paste remains effective for six to twelve months. The main threats to shelf life are heat, UV light, and contamination from repeated opening. Lanolin itself is reasonably stable at room temperature, but BAP can degrade if exposed to direct sunlight or sustained temperatures above 30 °C.

Store your paste in a small, dark glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. A cool kitchen drawer or the bottom shelf of a bathroom cabinet works well. Some growers refrigerate their paste, which can extend effective life toward the upper end of the twelve-month range. If refrigerating, allow the jar to return to room temperature before use — applying cold, stiff paste to plant tissue makes it harder to control the quantity accurately.

Check the paste before each use. Effective keiki paste should look uniform and pale yellow to off-white, with no separation, visible crystallisation, or unusual odour. If any of these appear, prepare a fresh batch rather than risk an ineffective application. The cost of a new batch is so low that there is no reason to use degraded product.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Even experienced plant enthusiasts make avoidable errors when using keiki paste for the first time. Being aware of these in advance makes a significant difference to your success rate from the very first application.

• Applying too much paste. A rice-grain-sized amount is genuinely sufficient. Excess creates a thick glob that does not absorb properly and may cause localised brown scarring at the application site.
• Targeting the wrong location. Keiki paste must go on a dormant node — not on healthy green stem tissue. Applying it randomly along a stem wastes product and produces no visible result.
• Using inaccurate measurements. A kitchen scale reading to 1 g is entirely insufficient for measuring BAP. Inaccurate concentration means unpredictable results at best and chemical tissue damage at worst. A scale accurate to 0.01 g is the minimum requirement.
• Applying to a stressed plant. A plant fighting root rot, pest infestation, or nutrient deficiency cannot direct energy into new shoot production. Restore plant health fully before reaching for the paste.
• Expecting fast results. Bud emergence takes two to six weeks under good conditions. Re-applying every few days disturbs the application site and disrupts the process rather than accelerating it.
• Skipping the protective equipment. The quantities involved can feel trivially small. The risk is highest during the mixing stage when BAP is still in powder form — that is precisely when protection matters most.

What Results Can You Expect — and What Does 2026 Hold for Home Plant Propagation?

Under good conditions — appropriate light, stable temperatures between 18–25 °C, and a healthy host plant — most growers see visible bud swelling within two weeks of keiki paste application. A recognisable keiki or new shoot typically emerges within four to six weeks. Full development of an independently viable plantlet, with roots long enough to pot on separately, takes a further three to six months on average.

Temperature plays a larger role than many gardeners anticipate. Hormonal responses in plants are temperature-sensitive: cooler conditions slow the process significantly, while warmth within the optimal range accelerates it. If your growing space runs cool through autumn and winter, exploring approaches to increasing soil temperature for effective plant growth could make a measurable difference to how your keiki paste applications perform in the colder months.

Success rates vary by species and by the health of the individual plant. Phalaenopsis orchids in their active growing season respond very reliably with correctly applied paste. Aroids and other houseplants tend to be somewhat less predictable depending on conditions.

If you are just getting started, begin with a single healthy orchid — it remains the most forgiving and rewarding plant for a first keiki paste trial. Once you are confident in the application technique, the same homemade paste translates directly to your aroids, succulents, and beyond.

Your Action Plan: Getting Started This Week

1. Days 1–2: Source your materials — lanolin paste from a pharmacy, BAP powder from an online horticultural or laboratory supplier, and a precision scale if you do not already own one.
2. Day 3: Prepare your first batch using the seven-step recipe above. The process takes around 20 minutes from start to finish.
3. Day 4: Identify a healthy orchid or aroid with a visible dormant node and make your first application.
4. Weeks 2–8: Monitor and wait. Note the date of application and photograph the node at weekly intervals so you can track progress clearly.
5. Months 3–6: Once a keiki has developed roots of 3–5 cm, pot it on into a suitable medium and begin caring for it as an independent plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Keiki Paste

Is homemade keiki paste as effective as the commercial version?

Yes, when made accurately. Commercial products contain the same active ingredient — BAP in a lanolin carrier — at concentrations typically between 1,500 and 2,000 ppm. A carefully measured homemade batch at the same concentration performs equivalently in practice. The advantage of commercial products is reliable, consistent quality control; the advantage of DIY is cost savings of up to 90% per application over time.

Can I use keiki paste on any plant?

Keiki paste works best on plants with clearly defined dormant nodes — orchids, anthuriums, monsteras, and many other aroids respond particularly well. Avoid using it on plants that are already vigorous shoot producers like bamboo, on plants under stress, or on seedlings that have not yet established a mature root system.

How often should I reapply keiki paste?

Apply once and wait at least six to eight weeks before considering a second application. Reapplying too frequently disrupts the hormonal signalling process and risks over-stimulating the tissue. If there is no visible response after eight weeks, check the plant’s overall health — the problem is usually environmental rather than a paste failure.

Where can I buy BAP powder in the UK?

BAP is available from specialist laboratory chemical suppliers and some online horticultural retailers. Search for “6-Benzylaminopurine horticultural grade” or “reagent-grade BAP” — both are suitable for this recipe. Always purchase from reputable suppliers who provide a safety data sheet (SDS) with the product, and buy only the small quantity you need (0.5–1 g is ample for a year’s supply for most home growers).

Is BAP safe to use around children and pets?

Keiki paste in its finished form, applied in small quantities to a plant, presents minimal risk to household members once dry. The main risk window is during preparation, when raw BAP powder is being handled. Keep children and pets out of the preparation area, store finished paste in a clearly labelled, sealed glass jar they cannot access, and treat it as you would any household chemical product.

Can I use keiki paste on outdoor plants?

Yes — keiki paste works on both indoor and outdoor plants with suitable dormant nodes. The main practical consideration outdoors is weather: rainfall can wash the paste off before absorption is complete. Apply in dry conditions and, where possible, protect the application site from rain for at least 48 hours by using a small piece of cling film or a temporary shelter.

What happens if I apply too much keiki paste?

Excess paste can cause localised tissue stress and, in some cases, brown scarring at the application site. It may also trigger weak, poorly formed growth that struggles to develop into a viable plant. If you accidentally apply too much, gently remove the excess with a clean damp cotton swab within the first hour of application. Working with tiny quantities becomes second nature very quickly with a little practice.