2 New Keikis BUT? - Orchid Board

Cintirella · #1 04-03-2013, 11:20 PM

Here's my question. My plant this year is giving me 2 Keikis on the same stem. I'm so proud. However I'm worried 'cuz the new leaves as they are growing and getting bigger, is also changing into such a dark green, and at I'm worried it has gotten sunburn, even tho I don't let them on the sun. Only filtered sun in the mornings and not even everyday. it's on a bright room, facing south for the winter months which are almost done with. ( I live in Chicago 0 so is still cold kind'a.

thanks for any help. OH PS- and 1 more question: am I to expect flowers out of the mother plant if she's too busy with 2 babies ?

WhiteRabbit · #2 04-04-2013, 03:49 PM

Sun burn wouldn't cause foliage to become dark green. My guess would be that with the sun moving higher in the sky, it's the decreasing light causing the foliage to be darker, if the window faces due south, and more so if there's a roof over-hang. A photo would be helpful, if you can post one.

If the plant is healthy, I don't think a couple of keikis would prevent blooming. I don't have much (good) experience with Phals however. I do have Dens that keiki and bloom well - even the keikis on the parent bloom.

Cintirella · #3 04-04-2013, 05:08 PM

I added few pix. I'm a bit worried. Plant is very healthy tho. 1 yr old.

WhiteRabbit · #4 04-05-2013, 05:12 PM

Some Phals have a reddish or purplish hue to new growth ... I'm looking at the pix on my phone, so I can't say if that's what this is. Has there been any foliage growth on the parent since you've had it? If so, can you recall if it had a red or purple tinge?

If you think it's getting too much light, you can move the plant slightly back from the window, or turn the plant so the keikis are on the far side of the window, or move to another window if you have one.

Cintirella · #5 04-05-2013, 05:33 PM

yes, the parent plant have gotten about 3 new leaves since last year. And yes, there's a redish hue going on the Keiki's new leaves. This mother plant, went to sleep last year after putting out 2 new leaves. ( I hopped she would re-trigger ) but she didn't. So this year, instead of giving me flowers, starts putting another leaf inside the crown on plant itself and sure enough, instead of the new branches coming out of 2 swollen nodes, here comes Keikis. I was shocked.

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I was told that when the new roots come out. To mist them until they are 2,3 inches long and 2-3 roots available. Is this true? it's my 1st time having Keikis and I'm very nervous.

sweetjblue · #6 04-05-2013, 05:36 PM

Cintirella, Sunburn would cause a bleaching on the leaves in the areas that received too much sun. Based on your pics that doesn't appear to be the case.
There are a few things I'd be worried about tho. The leaves look to be somewhat limp and that could mean there is some root rot and the plant is not taking up enough water. How long have you had your plant and have you ever repotted it? The formation of keikis is often times the way a plant will try to self-preserve itself..
I'd check the roots and if their ok the keikis just mean your plant is happy and healthy.
Dark green leaves with a purple tinge could just be normal. I have a few myself just like it.

judi

Cintirella · #7 04-05-2013, 05:42 PM

Yes, there is root rot. I was about to change the Orchid soil, when she decided to start the Keikis, so I panic and decided to let her be until shes done with her babies. Did I do right?

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I got this plant last year for Mother's day. Bloomed once. I try to trigger re blooming by cutting stem few nodes down. But instead she went to sleep. These leaves have always been this long. it seems almost like a bunny. Ill post one more pic of her few weeks back so u can see how long the leaves are. And yes, after a good soak the leaves improved big time ( Perkier )

WhiteRabbit · #8 04-05-2013, 06:04 PM

Repotting shouldn't affect the keikis, but even if it does, better to care for the parent.

A number of orchids don't really grow much (or at all) during winter.
I have a couple Phals that sat all winter, started new root growth a couple of so weeks ago, new foliage started shortly after...

sweetjblue · #9 04-05-2013, 06:08 PM

By the time your plant is done with her babies she may be beyond hope, meaning no roots left. If it were mine, I'd repot ASAP and hope that the babies continue to grow and make roots which could take months. But your main concern should be for the mother cause if she bites the dust without the babies making roots then chances are they all do.
Repot and give some added warmth. Wait about a week after repotting to water again and then let the potting mix approach dryness before you water again.
A skewer or pencil works well to gage moisture.

Judi

Cintirella · #10 04-05-2013, 06:45 PM

ok, then I will. I will repot this very weekend. Oh my, I pray the babies survive. I wanted to buy The Orchid soil by Miracle grow. I'm so nervous.I need to save this Momma plant.

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Mother plant it's healthy on the new leave growing from inside the crown. Color is bright healthy green. Actually that's how I know she's about to give out another leave. Everytime she turns that color, is cuz a new leave is coming out from the center of the plant ( the crown ) It's the roots that had me concerned, and I can actually see some roots rot from the see through pot.