Phal growing air roots from flowering stem?

[Uninico]

Hi there,
I know this is jumping right into the deep end but I've had a phalaenopsis orchid for a few years now and the last few months the flowering stem (don't know the technical term for it) has begun growing it's own air roots and leaves...

I want to know if anyone has had this problem and what I should do about it?



Thanks
- Chantelle

[tucker85]

It's not a problem, it's a keiki. That means the orchid is reproducing by growing a new small plant that can eventually grow on it's own. Keikis can grow from the flower spike or from the base of the plant. Leave it alone and once it gets a few roots that are at least 3" long, you can remove it and plant it in a small pot. There's no hurry, I have some keikis that are still on the mother plant after two years.

[Discus]

+1 to what Tucker said; if you don't already spray aerial roots on your phalaenopsis, it's usually worth giving the keiki roots the occasionally spritz so they stay perky.

[Uninico]

Thanks guys! The roots are about 4" so I cant wait to transfer my new baby to its own pot. I'd seen the word keiki but couldnt figure out what it was! You guys are gems! I'll deffinately do some more reading on here. Thank you!!!

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Uninico

Thanks guys! The roots are about 4" so I cant wait to transfer my new baby to its own pot. I'd seen the word keiki but couldnt figure out what it was! You guys are gems! I'll deffinately do some more reading on here. Thank you!!!

A keiki has been growing on my phal since last summer. It is becoming a pretty nice plant. The mother has continued to support this keiki. I am going to keep it on the mother plant and see if it will flower at the same time as the mother plant. I hope this happens as it would be really interesting to see if the keiki will produce a flower the same size as the mother.