About how long does it take a Keiki to form roots?

[chris1948]

Back on the 29th of May this year I noticed a Keiki beginning to form on the spikes of one of my Phals. Since then I'm been watching it grow larger and larger but still haven't seen any roots developing yet. Does it take quite a long time for roots to develop? I'm not really into using any hormones or some type of rooting powder. I think this and the rest of my Phals get enough food with the MSU and RO water. Here's three photos one from 29 May and two from today.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I can't remember how long it took mine, it's been to long. I would think it would have started growing them. But I don't think you should try and take it off. Your going to just have to have patients and wait. I do remember mine bloomed while still on the mother plant. It is now on it's own and blooming as we speak, it does take a long time. Especially when you try and kill it with crown rot and have to start all over again.

[chris1948]

Thanks Shannon, patience it is then. I'm not about to try and take it off without roots being there.

[WhiteRabbit]

It can take quite some time before roots start - by 'quite some time' I mean a few (to several) months is not unusual (tho, I can't remember specifically how long Phal keikis I have gotten took)
Patience is a required trait when dealing with orchids

[chris1948]

Thank you, patience it is then. I keep checking every day to see if any have started.

[fishmom]

Chris, your keiki is just getting started, and like the others have said, patience is required. However, you might get results a little more quickly if you wind a small ball of sphagnum moss around the base of the keiki, which will hold moisture there. The more humidity, the better. And another trick you might try is a regular spritzing with a kelp mixture--more subtle than hormone powders, but still effective.

Good luck!

[Fairorchids]

Rooting varies greatly, from almost instantly to 1-2 years.
I often use spaghnum, but not till I see the first root tips.