crown rot victim, basal keikis?

[VickiC]

Unfortunately, I've now had my first experience with a crown rotted Phal. I wasn't sure that it was going to survive, but it has developed 2 basal keikis. Since this has not happened to me before, I don't know what to expect. Am I correct in thinking that the mother plant will eventually die and then the keikis will take over and grow on the same root system, as they are growing now? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Are two basal keikis growing from the mother plant common? Is there anything I should do or simply let them continue to grow both in one pot? I would appreciate your advice.
Vicki

[WhiteRabbit]

nice save! last winter I crown rotted a Phal which a bit later grew a nice basal keiki - so far the mother's root system is still going strong - I can see growing tips on roots, so I don't know if they would eventually die or not ...
I'm looking forward to hear what others say about that.

[Zoi2]

Two basal keikies are fairly common, congrats!
I would leave them alone, they will grow their own roots in time but right now they are using the mother plants root system. Once they mature they may have such an entwined root system that you will want to leave them together. It will also make a better flower display.
Joann

[VickiC]

Thank you. I almost gave up on her. One night I told my husband that I planned to throw her in the dumpster the next morn. because I was very sure she wasn't going to make it. The next morn. came and as I was on my way to "put her out of her misery", I looked down into the basket and spotted a tiny little keiki. I had inspected her the day before, but somehow I missed seeing her baby peeking through, so I turned around and put her back in the greenhouse with her chid family. As I was leaving, I was positive I heard her say "wheww...what a relief!" The End. (Ok, my story is 100% true, except for possibly the last sentence, in which I might have stretched a bit.)

Best of luck with yours...I hope she continues to grow well.

Thanks for your reply,
Vicki

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

nice save! last winter I crown rotted a Phal which a bit later grew a nice basal keiki - so far the mother's root system is still going strong - I can see growing tips on roots, so I don't know if they would eventually die or not ...
I'm looking forward to hear what others say about that.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by VickiC

Thank you. I almost gave up on her. One night I told my husband that I planned to throw her in the dumpster the next morn. because I was very sure she wasn't going to make it. The next morn. came and as I was on my way to "put her out of her misery", I looked down into the basket and spotted a tiny little keiki. I had inspected her the day before, but somehow I missed seeing her baby peeking through, so I turned around and put her back in the greenhouse with her chid family. As I was leaving, I was positive I heard her say "wheww...what a relief!" The End. (Ok, my story is 100% true, except for possibly the last sentence, in which I might have stretched a bit.)

Best of luck with yours...I hope she continues to grow well.

Thanks for your reply,
Vicki

hehe - I believe all of it!

[VickiC]

Thanks for your advice, Joann. I believe I'll leave them together even if their roots are not entwined. I've not had 2 Phals in one pot before.

She has taught me a new lesson. Next time I won't give up quite so easily. I saw first hand what I've been reading...that orchids are pretty tough.

Thanks again for your help,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Two basal keikies are fairly common, congrats!
I would leave them alone, they will grow their own roots in time but right now they are using the mother plants root system. Once they mature they may have such an entwined root system that you will want to leave them together. It will also make a better flower display.
Joann

[RosieC]

Great save!

I have a rootless zygo p-bulb I was about to pick up and trash when I saw a tiny growth, it's now recovering and growing roots into S/H.

I always think never give up on these until they are really really dead.

[VickiC]

Since your advice concerning basal keikis on my phal with crown rot (my inital post below), I just discovered a new issue with the plant(s) this morn. As I was inspecting the keikes, I noticed some raised bump/wort areas on the leaves.....both underneath and top surface, as well. Even the Mother plant has them but I could only see 3 bumps under one her 2 old leaves. The bumps were raised and hard and would not come off without removing that portion of the leaf. In one of my pictures, you may be able to see a bump that I scratched with my fingernail on the edge of a keiki leaf. I have had scale problems in the past, and none of these areas are them.

I would appreciate it if you would give me your opinion of these and also advise me.
Vicki

Originally Posted by VickiC

Unfortunately, I've now had my first experience with a crown rotted Phal. I wasn't sure that it was going to survive, but it has developed 2 basal keikis. Since this has not happened to me before, I don't know what to expect. Am I correct in thinking that the mother plant will eventually die and then the keikis will take over and grow on the same root system, as they are growing now? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Are two basal keikis growing from the mother plant common? Is there anything I should do or simply let them continue to grow both in one pot? I would appreciate your advice.
Vicki

[Zoi2]

I don't know what these "warts" are but am bumping this in hopes of an answer.
Joann

[VickiC]

Thank you, Joann

Originally Posted by Zoi2

I don't know what these "warts" are but am bumping this in hopes of an answer.
Joann