Haraella odorata strange growth?

[Mikefromearth]

Hey all!

I purchased a Haraella odorata from andy's 10 or so days ago and since I got it, it has pushed 2 leaves out of the sphagnum pad it is anchored with, perpendicular to the leaves on the main body. The main body of the orchid is completely out of the sphagnum and I'm just wondering where these leaves are coming from? Should I uncover them?

In the picture below, the leaves in question are in focus in the center of the picture.

[Daethen]

Could it be a new growth (basal keiki)?

[Mikefromearth]

Originally Posted by Daethen

Could it be a new growth (basal keiki)?

I dont know! Should I just leave it alone and let it grow in? If it is a basal keiki should I let it get big and then deal with it?

I'm just curious. Does this mean I may have 2 orchids?

[Daethen]

I don't know if it is wise to try and separate a basal keiki from the parent plant. I would say give it some time and see how it developes. If you are worried that it may rot off, try to gently uncover the leaves. If it is a keiki (new growth) then you will just have a fuller plant that should throw you quite a show when it blooms. Maybe someone with more experience will come along with better advice.

[WhiteRabbit]

I can't see it in you pic - but my Haraella has a few keikis, a couple growing directly off the parent, tho higher up on the plant than it sounds like yours is. In my case, I can't imagine how I would remove them, so I haven't. They've been there a little over a year, and one of them bloomed last year. A couple of the old spikes also developed keikis. When I asked about the keikis, someone else who grows this plant told me they are "clumpers" - so I guess it's not unusual, tho I haven't read anyone else mention they got lots of keikis on theirs.

[Mikefromearth]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I can't see it in you pic - but my Haraella has a few keikis, a couple growing directly off the parent, tho higher up on the plant than it sounds like yours is. In my case, I can't imagine how I would remove them, so I haven't. They've been there a little over a year, and one of them bloomed last year. A couple of the old spikes also developed keikis. When I asked about the keikis, someone else who grows this plant told me they are "clumpers" - so I guess it's not unusual, tho I haven't read anyone else mention they got lots of keikis on theirs.

Well that's good to know! I'll just leave it alone and see where it goes! I hope I get some sweet smelling blooms! Does yours have a scent?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Mikefromearth

Well that's good to know! I'll just leave it alone and see where it goes! I hope I get some sweet smelling blooms! Does yours have a scent?

Yes, someone once commented that it was rather like citronella, which seems about right - for mine at least. Mine doesn't scent the whole room, but if I am not too far from it, I can smell it. It's a cool little plant