leafing out on the top of the spike?

[tdewk80]

I would like to know what my orchid is doing...I consider myself a novice on orchids, with five phaleanopsis, and two oncidiums in my collection. One of my phaleanopsis, which has been dormant for 8 weeks, is now forming a leaf cluster at the top of the spike.

Is this normal? I have tried to upload a photo, but the option isn't letting me choose the file.

I am also wondering if one divides orchids somehow? Thanks for looking and helping me out.

[sii]

Sounds like a keiki (baby) I think most would say to leave it on the mother plant until you see a few long roots and then pot it up. Just hang on until the pros come along.

Re pictures: you have to post a certain amount of posts before you can upload a picture.

[billc]

Hi and welcome.
Sounds like you have what is known as a keiki. It's a little growth that if left to grow will become another plant. Once it has some roots you can cut it off the spike and voila, you have another phal.

Bill

[Daethen]

I agree with the others. It will be genetically identical to the mother plant. You should leave it on the momma until it has a total of at least 3 inches of root. You can divide some orchids, but not usually phals. The oncidiums you can when they get big enough.

[tdewk80]

Wow! I am so excited! Thank you for the info. I look forward to this new adventure with my orchid. They are so wild and I am glad I found this forum as I hope to continue collecting and growing more varieties, and know I will need help from time to time

---------- Post added at 05:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:18 PM ----------

So, is this common or pretty rare occurrence?

[Daethen]

Very common with some, not so much with others, but always possible I think. If you stick around here long you will need to buy lots of shelves and lights. We are terrible enablers. Welcome to the OB!!

[Merlyn]

Enjoy your keiki (Hawaiian for baby) !!!

[Bud]

How exciting for you ! Your Phal gave birth....

[tdewk80]

Now I know what is going on, I am really excited! My family has found my orchid success surprising, and I have surprised myself too. They are asking how I do it all the time, and the only thing I do is pay attention and to not forget them when the blooms die off. This is going to floor my family friend that likes orchids. He didn't know what the heck was going on when I described what I was seeing.

I am a little nervous about planting this new orchid when it comes time. Are there any special tips for me as I wait to plant the keiki?

[Daethen]

You can handle it several ways. One would be to wait until it is ready and cut the spike half an inch or so on each side of the keiki and pot it up. Or, if you can situate a pot so that the keiki is sitting on top of the media in the pot and leave it there until the roots start to grow into it then cut it from the mother.