Is this Orchid dyiing?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by suefourmet

Gwen,

From the few pictures I've seen, I thought keikis grew from the base of the orchid. I'm pretty excited that I might actually have kept something alive long enough so that it sort of reproduces. (Sorry folks, I am absolutely lost in about what to call things, but I'm trying to learn the proper terms as fast as I can.) I do plan on joining a local orchid society and expect (hope) that I can learn a lot from the people with more expertise.

Sue F

Phals can grow two types of keikis. The "regular" keiki would be found growing along a "spike" which is actually called an Infloresence and would be like a separate little plantlet with a root system of it's own. It can be removed and potted once the roots reach a length of 2-3 inches. They can also grow basal keikis which come up out of the...base

[Gwenchanter]

Thanks Susanne B.

Can Phals which are growing Keikis also flower at the same time? If so, will it flower off the same inforesence which is growing a keiki? What about if its a basal keiki.. can they still flower with those growing too or is it an either/or type of situation? Is there a certain time of year when they put out keikis?

[Neverend]

Helping Susanne to answer your question, phals can grow keikis and flower at the same time, though most do not do that as it's stressful (imagine running a marathon while you're pregnant). Keiki growth normally means a failure to flower for some species like lueddemanniana. However if the keiki is already established the mother plant can flower well and healthily as the keiki is independent from the mother.