Basal keiki or not?

[bballr4567]

Ok, so on my phal that is the healthiest, it started to develop what I thought was a spike but now it has started to split so Im thinking its a basal keiki. Here is the weird thing, the plant hasnt shot up a terminal spike nor has it showed any signs of aging. Its developed one leaf and now has 6 of them total I've had it but no signs of a new leaf for about 4 months. It didnt spike this winter because of owner neglect either.

Is it a basal keiki?

I would take a picture but the "leaf" is still very, very tiny.

[Merlyn]

Probably, Phals do that sometimes.

[bballr4567]

Is this a bad thing or what? I've read most plants do this at the end of their life so just wondering really. Most other threads seem to deal with plants that have grown a terminal spike or has crown rot but mine has neither.

It now has about 7-8 healthy roots compared to about 2 when I got it.

[Paul Mc]

It can be a bad sign, but some like to make babies more than others. Plus if it has enough energy, there is no problem with it doing this. If you are worried check the roots and make sure the mother is healthy.

[Zoi2]

I have a phal that sent out a basal keiki 2 years ago and this year both momma and baby are spiking.
Joann

[bballr4567]

Pretty cool Joann. Do you have any pics?

Like I said, the roots are ok right now. Previous owner darn near killed all of them as I inherited it with about 2 good roots totaling about 4". Now, there is about 12" of roots total.

[Zoi2]

Not yet, the spikes are about 2-3" so far. Hopefully by the first of March or so I can post bloom pictures!
Joann

[Merlyn]

Here's my Phal. equestris 'Hana Nguyen' AM/AOS. I've had it for almost 7 years and I have NEVER figured out which one is the mama plant ! Every 2 years it has doubled the number of spikes and this year, right now has 8 and they are branching for the first time !!! I'll take a pix of it in bloom tomorrow and add it here.

I've never heard of basal keikis being a negative thing. I had a Phal with crown rot and it put out a basal keiki that took over and used what energy was left in the original to grow and completely replace it ! Oh, I DID one negative thing with a basal. When I tried to separate it and have another plant it resulted in killing both of them so I don't even think of doing that again !!!

[RosieC]

While Phals with a crown problem are more likely to produce basil keikis it does not mean that a basil keiki means there is a problem.

Some phals just like to produce them. I have a NoID mini one that has two basil keikis. Interestingly a while back someone showed pics of their NoID which could have been a complete match to mine, and that also had basil keikis.

[bballr4567]

Good to know Rosie!