Noob Phal questions re base keiki and stake holes in leaves.

[bil]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I think the cinnamon should be sufficient on the damaged leaves. I don't think you should have a problem with them.

As for the keiki, I would leave at the base and let it just grow as part of the main plant.

Thanks.

Yeah, it's a nice phal, and the extra flower spikes won't hurt at all.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I treat basal keikis differently from the ones that form on flower spikes.

The ones that form on spikes quickly form smaller plants that are complete with roots. Often they can be removed and potted on their own within a year or less.

In comparison, the basal keikis function more like an extra set of leaves, or one plant with two crowns, for a few years. I have a phal in which the basal keiki and the original plant are nearly the same size, but the keiki has very few roots of its own. I expect that the keiki will remain attached to the main plant for a few years more until growth and age separate them naturally. The most impressive Phals I have ever seen were large multi-crowned plants, so I think you are wise to leave it on.

I would not be too worried about the wooden stake through the heart of your leaves. The holes are unsightly, but won't hurt the plant. Using the cinnamon is fine, but they would probably heal on their own as long as the leaves are kept dry & allowed to heal.

[RosieC]

Good description Orchid Whisperer. Yes a basil keiki is much more like part of the same plant than one that forms on a spike.

I actually have a Phal with 5 basil keikis. Roots go everywhere and I've found it does best mounted as trying to guide them into the pot is impossible, but none of the keikis really have enough roots to cope on their own and the plant does much better as one, growing in several directions at once all over the mount.

[bil]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Good description Orchid Whisperer. Yes a basil keiki is much more like part of the same plant than one that forms on a spike.

I actually have a Phal with 5 basil keikis. Roots go everywhere and I've found it does best mounted as trying to guide them into the pot is impossible, but none of the keikis really have enough roots to cope on their own and the plant does much better as one, growing in several directions at once all over the mount.

How big a pot were you putting them in please?

[RosieC]

Tried various sizes, because there are six crowns roots are going off at various angles and at various heights. A bit pot that could get all the roots in would also have half the plant buried, and/or would have too much medium without roots in. A small pot only gets some of the lower roots.

In fact I found when I came to mount it (from just an 8cm/3" pot) that the roots from the pot were mostly dead, and the living roots were the ones scattered around the plant. It pretty much had roots coming out in all directions, but I managed to flatten tham back onto a mount.

I'll try and post some photos of it when I get home.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Rosie, I am curious if that is a species Phal. or a hybrid? I'd like to know the name if you have it - thanks!

[RosieC]

It's a NoID. It's quite a small one (well each leaf is small and the flowers are small, not so tiny overall with all the leaves going every direction, but it's genetically a smaller orchid than many.

[Optimist]

Plants produce an enzyme that creates a scab without the use of cinnamon. Even apples with a bite in them will produce this enzyme. I would only use cinnamon if there was proof positive that the scar was infected or at risk. There is far too much temptation to use cinnamon as a silver bullet, and too many newbies throw it on the roots only to accidently kill the roots.

[RosieC]

I agree about the danger of people thinking it's good on the roots. I didn't above but I usually try and warn against that whenever I mention cinnamon.

Yes they do scab over on their own, but I think it's too late to use it after you've seen an infection has got in. Personally as long as you know about avoiding it on the roots it doesn't harm to use it on any cut.

That doesn't mean I actually do use it on every cut. My plants get a bit knocked about as I repot them and unless it's to hand I just leave them to heal. But I put that down to my own carelessness, same as I'm not the best at cleaning my tools between plants. I'm careless and one day it will bite me I'm sure

[Cntry]

Hi Bil, I just read last night you treat the keikes completely differently. Ones on stem remove when the roots reach 3 to 5 inches long. The keikes on the bottom of the orchid are not to be removed. The article said its because of the structural make up of the keike having no or very little root structure and gets it nutrients from the mothers roots. They also can grow a lot faster then the keikes on the stem.


Rosie- I can't wait to see your picture of this orchid with all its keikes attached to the mother. I bet its just beautiful when its blooming.