I have a phal equestris v. rosea in a 2.5" pot and the leaf span is about 5" across the plant. It put out its first spike but due to underwatering the buds dried up. After about a week I thought it was putting out new buds but it turns out to be a keiki. Can the plant handle a keiki at this stage of it's own development as it's only 5" wide? Should I terminate the spike and kill the keiki to ensure that the mother plant grows stronger? There is currently no sign of struggle on the mother plant and she has a very good root system. What should I do?
Equestris is known for the ease in which it produces keikis. It can also rebloom from old flower stalks, so don't remove any until they are obviously dead.
Phal equestris is very well known for making keikis and very good at multi tasking. If momma plant is fine, I would say to just leave everything as it is.
__________________ Camille
Completely orchid obsessed and loving every minute of it....
I would echo the opinion to leave the keiki. I have an equestris with a keiki growing, and now a new spike growing like crazy, in addition to new leaves. Amazing plants equestris are.
Stephen