A question about raising keikies

[Tindomul]

I don't even know if I spelled it right.
How long does it take for a kiekie to grow up? That is, before it becomes blooming size? I have a Phal. equestris with a kiekie that has been growing for the last 2 months or so.

[Ray]

Aw c'mon. You know the answer: "As long as it takes, and longer than we prefer".

I've seen keikies grow from start to blooming in under a year if left attached to "mom", much longer if detached.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Ray

Aw c'mon. You know the answer: "As long as it takes, and longer than we prefer".

Thanks.

[Lorraine]

Hi Tindo,

If I remember the information I got from Baldans at a show they mature quickly and you should have blooms on the keiki along with the mother. They look nice with multiple spikes. Good luck.
Lorraine

[Tindomul]

Thanks Lorraine.
Ok, is the fact that the mother plant was growing a kikie on the old spike a possible reason why it has not bloomed for me in over a year? Thanks.

[orchidexpress]

I love this plant. In the future leave the plantlets on them; it makes a much grander plant. It sho7ld be blooming probally next year...or in two years.

Happy Growing!

[Tindomul]

Thanks, I did not remove the kikie.

[orchidexpress]

When you water the plant water everywhere.
You want water to get on all the roots.

[Dorothy]

Don't remove the keiki until the roots are at least 3 inches long .. that is .. if you want to remove it

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

Don't remove the keiki until the roots are at least 3 inches long ..

Wow! That's a pretty inclusive statement. I removed my Epidendrum ellipticum keikis when roots were 1/2" + Was that wrong? Don't think so. The plant is doing just fine and turning reddish under really strong Wardian Case lighting Think it makes a diff as to what species we are talkng about, but my point is the conditions may make a diff as well. A tank will definitely make a diff.