Large phal orchid with 3 basal keikis/4 growing points? - Orchid Board

flowerpower · #1 06-13-2016, 03:11 PM

I have an orchid I have had some time, it is a generic store-bought Phalaenopsis and it seems to have several basal keikis all attached together.

The plant itself seems to consist of 4 different growing points. Has anyone seen this kind of behaviour before? I repotted today and it has a very extensive root system which was circling around in its previous pot. I was doing all 14 of my orchids repotting at once (after a night shift!) so I may have put the lowest basal keiki too deep however I think this orchid would be difficult to position in its pot to please all growing points.

I also have another orchid, which is an ex-keiki newly potted and throwing its first flower spike. It is throwing off a keiki as well but it is only a very young plant that was previously being misted for hydration when it was first separated! It has a small but healthy root system and has been potted for the first time in a small pot.

My orchids are generally kept on the dryer side in fir bark. What do you think is going on? I have attached photos.

Orchid Whisperer · #2 06-13-2016, 06:08 PM

Yes, multiple crowns on the first one. Some Phalaenopsis just do this. I have a Phal. 'Elegant Polka Dots' with multiple crowns.

PaphMadMan · #3 06-13-2016, 10:14 PM

Multiple crowns from maturing basal keikis is the normal status for most mature Phalaenopsis sooner or later if they live long enough. They do vary in how quickly or easily they reach that point, and it may depend on conditions, but it is perfectly normal, not a sign that anything is "going on". As you have found, they can be a challenge to pot.

Likewise, spike keikis are normal, and vary in frequency depending on genetics and conditions. Your pictures show normal healthy Phals.

flowerpower · #4 06-14-2016, 10:09 AM

OK that's good news. I was under the impression the keikis are produced when the orchid is dying. So is it fine to leave the keiki (the one on the end of the spike) attached to the main orchid?

Paphluvr · #5 06-14-2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowerpower

OK that's good news. I was under the impression the keikis are produced when the orchid is dying. So is it fine to leave the keiki (the one on the end of the spike) attached to the main orchid?

Generally keikis are not removed until they have several more roots than what yours has now. Leaving it on will not hurt the plant.