Advice on New Orchid with Keiki

[jmain3]

all! Been sick for a bit, but finally getting a little better. After a doctor's visit yesterday, I stopped by my local nursery and found this orchid:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1141472...eat=directlink

(I included a link because I took better pictures with my camera instead of cell phone camera, to get closer and brighter shots.)

Well, I was so excited to find it because it has a keiki growing on it's flower stem! I got the orchid for 5 dollars after haggling a bit. I thought what a cool project for me on my non-sick days...Never had a keiki before. Well, I just wanted some advice. I wanted to transfer the mama plant because her root system below the new roots growing in looks awful. Please take a look. She has new roots growing in but I'm worried about crown rot below. Her leaves are in pretty bad shape as well, I think she was watered too much. (1) Should I wait for the keiki's roots to get at least 3 inches before moving or can I already? (2)Do you think she can be saved? (3)Any advice on what I should treat her with or repot her in?

Thank you all, I look forward to this new challenge.

Jenn

[Zoi2]

I don't see any crown rot--it would be in the center of the plant between the new leaves. The lower roots look like they have just dried out and your new roots look great! I would go ahead and repot in the medium you normally use. The keiki looks mature enough to pot on its own, the roots look really nice. When you repot, keep the base of the plant above the medium so the roots will grow down, you will probably have to use a stake or something for stabilization.
Joann

[Daethen]

Listen to Joann.