Phal questions/keiki/Leaning orchid, more - Orchid Board

ginnyr · #1 07-23-2008, 11:34 PM

Hi - My 1st question is about a keiki (SP?). I have one on a white Phal which now has 3 leaves, a root about 1" long and another which is emerging. When and how do I separate it from the mother plant? It is growing on the spike from the last flowering.
2nd is about another Phal which is very healthy and is right now throwing another spike but is practically on its side in the pot. It has large, deep green, strong, healthy leaves and I think the weight of those leaves is pulling it down. How can I get it upright again?
Last, another of my Phals has a brand new plantlet emerging next to the original. Do I remove it from the pot and separate it?

Thanks for your help!

quiltergal · #2 07-24-2008, 01:04 AM

Hi Ginny! Your Keiki needs to have 3-4 roots at least 2 inches long before you can separate it from mom and repot by itself. Once you remove it I would recommend cutting the spike off all the way so the mother plant can take a rest and store up some energy.

The leaning Phal is fine. Phals grow that way in the wild so unless it's in danger of falling out of the pot leave it be.

The new plantlet is called a basal Keiki. Most folks leave those undisturbed with the parent plant. Think of the show you'll have when they both bloom together!

Bird Song Farm · #3 07-24-2008, 05:53 AM

Hi,
Tirri did a great job answering your questions but as to removing the keiki from the spike. When it has the root growth she recommended, cut the spike about 1 inch above and 1 inch below the keiki. Pot it up and you're on your way to a new plant!
Al

Ray · #4 07-24-2008, 08:22 AM

Another alternative with the keiki is to carefully bow the spike down (without bending a kink in it) until you can hold the keiki at the surface of another pot of medium (I use spike clips to hold the spike to the pot's lip). That way the baby plant can get established while still benefiting from the mother-plant's resources.

Once it's established and growing, just clip the spike.

Bird Song Farm · #5 07-24-2008, 08:37 AM

Excellent idea Ray. You might bend the spike a little bit each day using string to hold it down until it reaches the new pot that is set a distance away from the original plant. This might avoid breaking the spike.
AL