When should I remove this Phal keikis?

[cjm3fl]

This keikis is growing unbelievably quick.
In the last 4 days the flower stalk and larger roots have gained about an inch in length, each.

This morning I noticed 2 "nodes" above where the roots have formed and appear to be going to 'point' up--like they could be additional flower stalks.

Maybe "when" is the wrong question.
And "how big does it need to be" would be better.

It's a common NoID Phal from HD or Lowes (can't remember) that those in the U.S. have probably seen. White with dark purple splotches.


http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...rk20purple.jpg

---------- Post added at 10:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 AM ----------

A little added description:
The keikis flower stalk is one pointing to the upper left-hand corner of the photo.
It has 3 well formed leaves.
And there are 7 well defined roots.
The 2 'nodes' have formed under the leave in the center of the photo--the one "facing" front.

[dangerouseddy]

from what I've read when the roots are 2 inches long, looks like there's plenty of roots there if you want to take it off and pot it up

[cjm3fl]

Yeah---
The flower stalk is almost 5 inches long.
The the longest root is close to 7 inches.

Thanks dangerous for reminding me to add ALL of the important info.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree with dangerouseddy, it is ready to be cut loose and potted on its own.

[RosieC]

The rule of thumb I've heard is when you have 2" of root, that could be 2 x 1" or 1 x 2" or conceivably masses of tiny ones. Looking at your photo that easily looks ready to remove.

To remove it without possibility of damage I would cut the spike and remove it, then cut the spike really short either side of where it joins. Often it is possible to gently twist it off the spike instead, but you have more chance of damaging it or the roots that way. I've twisted them off with Den's but then they grow off the cane not a spike, with a Phal if I were to ever have one I would cut the spike instead.

[vjo]

Personally I would just leave it there...Jean

[cjm3fl]

I fell ya, vjo. But it's problematic leaving it attached for much longer.
I am afraid that someone with the lawn service will accidentally knock it off someday, and my mind visualizes lawn-mowers and weed-wackers...
Then there are golfers and golf carts

Under that "2 inch" rule this is long passed being able to be moved.
Close examination of it, RosieC, showed me that removing it would not be a problem. Only one (medium sized) root is attached along the parent stalk. I can cut right at this point. Once the root is freed the keikis should come off with just a little twist.

There is also a new keikis at the base.
I'm going to pot (repot) all three in a larger basket (with coconut basket shell). I'm limited, at the moment, for being able to add more pots/baskets. But I can "up size" the ones I have.

[RosieC]

Just be aware that if there is a keiki right at the base (not on a spike but attached to the parent, these are known as basel keikis) it can be best to leave them attached, they can be harder to remove without damage to both parent and keiki when they are coming out the parent rather than on a spike.

[cjm3fl]

Thanks for that information, RosieC.
I have to repot the parent Phal anyway. I'll leave the basal one alone.

Space is limited for me, right now. I will be potting the stalk keiki, plus the parent and basal in a new 14 inch basket--together.

Question: All my hanging Phals are growing toward the same direction--mostly toward the East with stalks pointing more to the North.
I'm guessing what when I pot more then one in a basket I should make sure they are all "facing" the same direction?

My all-white Phal needs repotting too.
With it's 2 new basal keikis there are now 5 plants in a 12 inch hanging basket.
Three will go into a new 14 inch basket, also, while one gets it's own 6 inch pot for the bird cage, and the other is getting mounted in (one of) my large potted Ficus trees.


Of the 7 different colored NoID Phals I have, 5 are presently throwing off keikis!