New orchid growing out of base of original orchid

[KVeren]

Hi everyone, I need some advice. Despite owning an orchid for several years, I'm still kind of a newbie and I don't know what to do about the latest development with my orchid

I have a phalaenopsis orchid that I've somehow managed to keep alive for the past 10 years. It has moved all across the country with me and has flowered many times although not recently, I have repotted 2-3 times, and despite the climate changes and intermittent neglect, seems to be trucking along (although the leaves are long and pointy now instead of broad and round, is this a problem?)

About 6-8 months ago, it started popping out some tiny leaves from the main body. It did this once before (about 8 years ago) and the "new" leaf group did get to a pretty good size (about 1 inch) but before I could find help/take it to someone, the little leaf bundle kind of died acutely within a few days and my orchid never attempted such shenanigans again until now.

I have been reading about keikis and am wondering if I should separate this new leaf bundle from the "parent" now that it has several nice little roots of its own.

My conundrums are, however:

1. This keiki (if that is what this is) is not on a spike as I have seen discussed in other places, but is physically attached to the side of the "parent" plant.

2. One of the little roots has wormed its way between some of the parent roots and is climbing upwards into the base of the parent.

Is it too late to separate the two? Will attempts to separate kill both?


Please let me know what you think. I think I do have anything I would need for an attempted separation (sterile scalpels, new potting medium, little pot w/ good drainage, no other plant in the house to contaminate it, good access to dappled sunlight, etc.)