Phalaenopsis: Is this a Keiki? Should I still prune?

[SusanG]

And what do I do??? Hello all. First post here. I am a complete beginner when it comes to orchids.

This is a Phal I've had for a tad less then a year. Other then watering when it gets almost bone dry I've been very remiss in its care and feeding. I was going to prune back the dried spike and cut the dried bit off the stem last night when I spotted a bud!

Do I leave it alone? Can I still cut back the dead spike? Is it a keiki? Should I put off repotting? The bark and whatnot seems to be in good shape.

Also, I have to hand some Baby Bio original plant food: Low Nutrient N P K. Can I use that (perhaps diluted to half recommended strength) to feed?

Cheers and thank you for any suggestions, especially on things I have missed!

Susan

[RosieC]

Looks like a keiki to me. If you want to grow the keiki then you need to leave it on the mother until there are about 3" of root (either 3 x 1" or 1 x 3" or another combination).

I think I would repot anyway. Phals tend not to miss a beat when repotted so it should be fine. You just have to be careful not to break the spike.

[SusanG]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Looks like a keiki to me. If you want to grow the keiki then you need to leave it on the mother until there are about 3" of root (either 3 x 1" or 1 x 3" or another combination).

I think I would repot anyway. Phals tend not to miss a beat when repotted so it should be fine. You just have to be careful not to break the spike.

Thanks Rosie! I most definitely want to grow the keiki )

[PaphMadMan]

Your plant looks just a little dehydrated, another reason not to delay repotting - check the health of the roots and make sure you have fresh medium that holds the right amount of moisture. And I agree the keiki will be just fine.

[vmax3000]

Hi Susan,
Funny story...a couple years back, I had a phal do the same thing your's is doing. The keiki FLOWERED before it put off roots.... Since then, it put off roots and is now potted up beside it's parent. This spring, it started it's first spike on it's own roots!! Never know about the plant kingdom. They can get away with things that we animals sure can't!

[SusanG]

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

Your plant looks just a little dehydrated, another reason not to delay repotting - check the health of the roots and make sure you have fresh medium that holds the right amount of moisture. And I agree the keiki will be just fine.

It is! So I'll be getting new bark and will repot ASAP!

[SusanG]

Originally Posted by vmax3000

Hi Susan,
Funny story...a couple years back, I had a phal do the same thing your's is doing. The keiki FLOWERED before it put off roots.... Since then, it put off roots and is now potted up beside it's parent. This spring, it started it's first spike on it's own roots!! Never know about the plant kingdom. They can get away with things that we animals sure can't!

Thanks for the smile Vanessa! I actually thought it was a flower bud at first until I started searching for info online! I can see why orchids can be such an obsession. I'm already hooked )

[SusanG]

Thanks for the input and insights everyone!

I've now got a task list

Repot ASAP (I'm going to use bark)
Nice big watering
Start using a fertiliser (weak/week) that contains no Urea

Couple of questions:

Can I cut back the dried spike (image right) and should I do that before repotting or after?

And what about the dried bit above the spike that has the bud? leave it alone or cut it back?

Should I repot into the same size pot?

I'm going to search through the forum for answers but will be appreciative of anyone answering those questions for me!

[vmax3000]

Susan,
There's no problem cutting a dried spike, even the bit above the keiki. Just take care not to injure the plant in the process (what I have done...) From my understanding and experience, Phals usually do well in a pot that's diameter is approximately a third to a half of the leaf span. So, if your leaf span is, say 30 cm, then a pot of 10 to 15 cm should do nicely. They tend to like to "topple" out of pots, so I have several of mine in shorter, wider pots (more like a bulb-type pot or tray). Just depends on what pot you find appealing, I suppose. These are just rules of thumb, though.

I'll be interested to hear how it all turns out!
Good growing to you,

[Call_Me_Bob]

pot size should depend on the amount of roots. choose a pot that is just big enough to fit the roots in, yet allows for a year or two of growths