Propagation Guide

Offsets, Pups & Keikis

Propagating from natural offshoots

Many aroids produce natural offshoots — called pups, offsets, or in the case of anthuriums, keikis — that can be separated from the mother plant and grown on independently. This is the primary propagation method for alocasias (which produce corms and pups) and anthuriums (which occasionally produce basal offshoots). It's one of the most reliable propagation routes because the offset already has its own developing root system before separation.

Best For

  • Alocasia — all species regularly produce corms and pups
  • Anthurium — mature velvet-leaf types occasionally produce keikis
  • Any aroid that naturally produces side growth from the base

What You Need

  • Sharp, sterilised blade or scissors
  • Fresh well-draining substrate
  • Small pots appropriate to the size of the offset
  • Optional: rooting hormone for offsets with limited root development
  • Propagation box or clear bag for undeveloped corms

Step by Step

  1. 1

    Wait for the offset to develop

    For alocasia pups: wait until the pup has at least one small leaf emerging before separating — a leaf indicates it has begun photosynthesising independently. For corms: small green or brown corm-like structures can be separated even without a leaf. For anthurium keikis: wait until the keiki has 2–3 small leaves and visible roots.

  2. 2

    Remove the mother plant from its pot

    Carefully remove the plant and gently shake off substrate to expose the base and any offsets. Alocasia pups will be connected to the mother by a thin stolon or corm; anthurium keikis emerge from the base of the stem.

  3. 3

    Separate carefully

    Use a sterilised blade to cut between the offset and the mother plant. Aim to keep as many roots on the offset as possible. For corms with no roots, a clean separation is fine.

  4. 4

    Treat cut surfaces

    Dust cut surfaces on both the offset and the mother plant with cinnamon or fungicide powder. Allow to callous briefly before potting.

  5. 5

    Pot the offset

    For offsets with roots: pot directly into fresh substrate. For bare corms: half-bury in moist sphagnum and place in a warm, humid propagation box. The corm will produce roots and a leaf in 4–10 weeks.

  6. 6

    Aftercare

    Keep newly separated offsets at high humidity (65–75%) for 4–6 weeks. Water lightly — their root system is small and overwatering is a significant risk. New leaf production indicates successful establishment.

Tips for Success

  • Alocasia corms can be collected when repotting even if no pup has yet emerged — stored in slightly damp sphagnum at room temperature, many will sprout
  • Mother plants actually tend to produce more pups after separation, as if encouraged by the division
  • Anthurium keikis are rare and valuable — wait as long as possible before separating to maximise their root development
  • Variegated alocasia pups should show variegation from their first leaf — a completely green pup may not carry the trait

Common Mistakes

  • Separating pups before they have any leaf development — leafless pups without roots have very little stored energy to survive
  • Overwatering small offsets whose root systems cannot handle excess moisture
  • Burying alocasia corms completely — they should be partially exposed to light
  • Discarding small or dormant-looking corms — these often sprout after weeks of patient waiting