Moth orchid

[Christopher]

Hi I have a Moth orchid but the mother plant is not looking to well, and a baby crown coming up next to the mother plant.
My question is what to do with the mother plant once the baby crown is bigger, so do I cut the mother off at the base of the plant or do I take it out of the pot and seperate the two.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

Don't cut anything. When a Phalaenopsis loses the crown (the main growing point) if you're fortunate, it will produce a new growth near the base. That new basal growth shares a root system with the mother plant, so if you try to separate them you are likely to kill both. Over time, the original plant will probably die back, but for now it's nourishing the baby. Let Mother Nature do what she is doing... giving the plant a chance to susvive.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Roberta

First, Welcome!

Don't cut anything. When a Phalaenopsis loses the crown (the main growing point) if you're fortunate, it will produce a new growth near the base. That new basal growth shares a root system with the mother plant, so if you try to separate them you are likely to kill both. Over time, the original plant will probably die back, but for now it's nourishing the baby. Let Mother Nature do what she is doing... giving the plant a chance to susvive.

Thank you , the baby orchid is under the bottom leaf of the mother plant. Can I removed the leaf so the baby crown is not hitting the overhead leaf.

[Roberta]

Let the plant figure it out. Remember, leaves are where photosynthesis happens, that is the source of the energy the plant needs. So you need to preserve those healthy leaves. The new growth will very likely turn itself to avoid bumping into the leaf. Just observe... you'll learn a lot. Orchids grow slowly, so patience!! Progress is measured in months not days.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Let the plant figure it out. Remember, leaves are where photosynthesis happens, that is the source of the energy the plant needs. So you need to preserve those healthy leaves. The new growth will very likely turn itself to avoid bumping into the leaf. Just observe... you'll learn a lot. Orchids grow slowly, so patience!! Progress is measured in months not days.

Very helpful advice from you, and many thanks .
If I have any problems with the baby ochid, I will let you know.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Let the plant figure it out. Remember, leaves are where photosynthesis happens, that is the source of the energy the plant needs. So you need to preserve those healthy leaves. The new growth will very likely turn itself to avoid bumping into the leaf. Just observe... you'll learn a lot. Orchids grow slowly, so patience!! Progress is measured in months not days.

This is what the baby looks like, I am holding up the leaf so it will not cover the baby orchid. What should I do because the leafs is going to smother the baby ?.

[Roberta]

No, the leaf will not smother the "baby". The big leaf will photosynthesize to provide food for the baby (and the root system). When the plant is done with the leaf, it will be shed. But it is doing what the plant needs while the new plant grows.

[Dimples]

Quick reminder, even though we call it a “baby” and a “mother” plant, there’s only one plant in your pot. The basal growth is part of the plant. Like a branch on a tree, but much much smaller.

The plant knows what it’s doing. You can relax and enjoy watching what happens next.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Dimples

Quick reminder, even though we call it a “baby” and a “mother” plant, there’s only one plant in your pot. The basal growth is part of the plant. Like a branch on a tree, but much much smaller.

The plant knows what it’s doing. You can relax and enjoy watching what happens next.

Thanks for the reply, and I have taken away the wood that is holding up the leaf. So I am just letting nature take its course.

[dimshane]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Thanks for the reply, and I have taken away the wood that is holding up the leaf. So I am just letting nature take its course.

Hi there. I had this same situation several months ago. I will attach before and after pics below.

My new basal growth appeared in August. I simply left it.. leaves smothering and all ... And now the new growth is the main character. The dying part still has one leaf holding on. It's doing exceedingly well! This is coming from a not-so-experienced phal grower. I live in the tropics so maybe phals grow faster here. As long as conditions are right, it will sort itself out! Now... If I could only manage to get it to bloom🤔 .. that's my struggle.