Why New Plant, instead of Spike

[Jkelee]

I thought I was getting 2 new spikes out of a couple of Phals. Well the further they started to grow, I see they started to open up. Telling me she's not a spike, but new baby.

Why do I get a new spike, and a new baby at the same time??

[Ross]

What's the condition of the crown of the parent plant? Can't tell from the photo. but could the crown be damaged? If so, this is a guarantee for a basil keiki.

[Jkelee]

The parent plants are good, and healthy. No issues that I see. Both have spikes, and keiki babies!

[quiltergal]

From the pictures it kind of looks like you had to cut an upper leaf off at some point. That may have been enough to make the parent plant send up a basal Keiki. Then it looks like the parent plant grew a new leaf. I have a plant that did something similar. The crown got damaged somehow. The parent plant sent up a basal Keiki but it came up inside the old leaves rather than off on the side. The original crown wasn't damaged enough to stop growing. It's fully recovered at this point, so now I have a double crowned plant. It looks very strange, but it's sending up a spike so I'm not complaining!

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I learn something new every time I log in here! I recently inherited a really banged up phal. One of the top leaves had been cut off, another one severley cut back. I repotted it and am now wondering if it is going to do something similar. I'd be happy with growing a new leaf, but a keiki would be cool too.

Terri, that phal sounds like it's got personality! I always like the unique ones

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by Jkelee

Why do I get a new spike, and a new baby at the same time??

Why? Maybe because you're just LUCKY jkelee. I don't believe basal growth is an indication of the plant failing or any crown damage, just a double treat, is all. I have several Phals growing basal kiekis, some that are just as big as the mother plant. I've noticed that, at least 50% of the Phals I've gotten from Baldan Orchids have all put out basals so I'm assuming it's inherent in their makeup/crosses.

Enjoy it. It's a double-delight!

[Jkelee]

Thanks everyone