Reed stem epidendrum with weird growth

[Call_Me_Bob]

hi all! im back with more questions!! i recently bought a reed stem epidendrum. it has this new growth thing that is really weird looking. i have no idea what it is! i dont think its a root, it has like two segments or something, it looks like a leaf might be coming off whatever this growth is

pic one- side view

pic two - you can definately see that there is something coming off to the right side.

[Rosiefuture]

Hi, I'd say it's a keiki, epi's are very prone to throwing keiki's. In pic 1 you can see a little root starting to grow at it's base. When it has a couple of roots several inches long you can gently detach it and pot it up.

Marion

[Izzie]

It's an arm. It's trying to crawl it's way to freedom!


I kid. I agree with Rosie-looks like a keiki.

[orchidsamore]

Reed stem epis produce roots and side growths all along its stem. Over time you will get hundreds of them. Reed stems can be cut and replanted resulting in more plants than you can use. They make good gifts for friends and do very well planted in the ground in warmer climates.

They are the only orchid I know of that attracts butterflies.

[Call_Me_Bob]

why would it want a keiki then? the grower cut almost all its roots before shipping

[Izzie]

You can't expect to know what an orchid is thinking. It will get going with roots soon.

[Rosiefuture]

I have heaps of epi's they grow almost like weeds in some areas of Oz like Queensland. I have them in pots, in hanging baskets and in the soil under trees. They are VERY hardy and you would practically have to kill them with an axe. I have given so many away that I've lost count!

Marion

[Call_Me_Bob]

alright, is it ok to keep the keiki on the "mother" plant?

[Izzie]

Absolutely- it will die if you take it off before it has ample roots.
And even after it has roots, you can leave it on. You don't HAVE to remove a keiki.