Phal Keike Propagation

[labyrinth1959]

I have a Phal that produced two flower stems a year ago. When the flowering cycle was competed, I cut off the stems at about 10 inches in length (Photo). Both stems have now produced a Keike and one of those has produced its own flower stem and flowers. That particular Keike is now producing three roots, the longest of which is one inch long. My questions are these: At what point is it safe to remove the Keike from the stem and pot it. And, is it acceptable to use 0.25" - 0.50" Pinus Radiata bark for the potting medium? Any other advice is appreciated. Photos attached.

[Roberta]

You need well-developed roots. Don't rush it... when you water, spray the roots on the keikis too. I'd wait for roots at least 2-3 inches long, because roots are the only way that an independent plant can obtain moisture and nutrients. While attached to the stems, they can be sustained by the mother plant. The medium is good for phals, again you need enough root to hold the plant stable. So, patience...

[labyrinth1959]

Originally Posted by Roberta

You need well-developed roots. Don't rush it... when you water, spray the roots on the keikis too. I'd wait for roots at least 2-3 inches long, because roots are the only way that an independent plant can obtain moisture and nutrients. While attached to the stems, they can be sustained by the mother plant. The medium is good for phals, again you need enough root to hold the plant stable. So, patience...

The smallest Keike with the flower stem now has three roots of 2-3 inches in length and two other roots of about 3/4 inch. I am amazed that the three flowers on the keike stem are still going strong. I'd rather not have the roots get so long that they become a problem to fit in a pot and I also think it might be hard on the plant to pot it with the flower still in bloom. Should I cut the flower stem off and pot or wait till the flowers are done and deal the the long roots? Advice please.

[Roberta]

Wait, deal with the long roots.
Photo would help.

[estación seca]

When you eventually pot it separately, soak the roots in water for an hour. They will be more flexible. Twist them in one direction and they will spiral into the pot.

[labyrinth1959]

Roots on the Keikes were all 3 to 5 inches in length. I snipped the mother spike at 1 inch from the root base and dabbed all the cut surfaces with cinnamon. Thank you estación seca for the suggestion to soak the roots. I actually soaked them for three hours and they became soft enough that I could flex them down into the pot. They are potted in well vented pots with Pinus Radiata bark and soaked them again for one hour. The leaves are stiff so they seem to be doing well. I test the leaves for stiffness and when they have softened a bit, I give them another soaking for about 5-10 minutes. Thanks for all the suggestions and support from Roberta and estación seca. Photo attached of the mother plant and the two babies.