Phal - New leaf growing on the spike?

[lillygirl]

Hi -

I have a beautiful Phal which bloomed twice this past year. Not bad for a $15 Home Depot purchase. A few weeks ago, I noticed that a tiny little leaf is growing on the tip of the spike! I flipped through numerous books and websites but no one has anything on this. The leaf is also growing new roots too.. which is really bizarre because it's as if a new orchid plant is growing from the spike. Has anyone ever seen such a thing? I'm wondering if i need to do anything or just keep on letting it grow?

[Olivia]

That sounds like a keiki (a baby orchid). If you search the forum you should be able to find a lot of good info. Also, if you post pictures people will be able to more accurately help you figure out what's going on.

[lillygirl]

Oh wow - thank you so much!

[RJSquirrel]

hi lilly and welcome ..We like pictures too

sound like a baby phal or could be re-blooming too ya know.

Get us a pic!! (that coming from one whos net challenged)

Ive only had 1 re bloom and 1 new spike out of like 50 phals all but 5 are dead dead dead..Last 5 are doing good though.. You seem to be starting out much better than I did _

[dendrophyle]

sounds like pics will solve it - a baby plant could be there...?

[Aidennguyen2008]

Is it like this 1??

[marydaniellesantos]

Welcome to the OB!!

It's a keiki! How exciting! Leave it on the spike until the roots are at least 3 inches long. The keiki pulls nutrients from the mother plant, so there's not a lot of care for it! You can spray the roots if you'd like, but it's not necessary. Happy Growing!!!

[Aidennguyen2008]

Thanks, I thought it would be the same orchid as @lilygirl -- but yeah hopefully the Pike has enough support for the nice Baby ones