4 Keikis on one phal

[H.L]

I was so excited and looking forward to its bloom until now. I don't know if I should be happy or sad.

Background: This phal is bought from Ikea. It bloomed twice in the past two years. No growing/planting hormones are used. I occasionally use seaweed solution and orchid fertiliser on it. I have attached one of its blooming photo.

Current Status: 4 keikis - Two on the new spike and two next to the crown.

Question:
1 - What is it doing??
2 - Is it propagating as its last chance on survival? Or simply just too happy to be around?
3 - Where is my BLOOOOOOOOM???
4 - What should I do?
5 - What will happen to the mother plant???

[campchi]

That's awesome, more plants

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[PaphMadMan]

Your plant appears to be in excellent health, growing vigorously, both roots and leaves. There is nothing to worry about in terms of losing the mother plant, in fact the basal keikis will give it the potential for many spikes at once in a couple years. It just seems to want to grow rather than bloom right now. Not such a bad thing.

Why? Could be several things. I can't see if the roots in the pot are healthy. Have you repotted in the last year? Is your fertilizer high in nitrogen? Some seaweed products do have hormonal activity, maybe cut that out. If it was an unusual year in your area for temperatures or light it might be reacting to that.

I wouldn't change much other than checking the things I listed. Sometimes even the most reliable plants need patience.

[H.L]

Thanks for your response!

I repotted it when I first got it two years ago. I cant remember the media type but it is either in horticulture charcoal or orchid soil mix.

I didn't know seaweed solution has hormone. I was only using it to 'stimulate' the root growth. I am currently using Seasol - (Seasol International | Seasol) and Manutec Orchid Bloom Booster (Manutec - Products). The fertiliser N-P-K is 15.8 - 6.7 - 25.3. Is this nitrogen level consider high?

How long does it take a keiki to be matured and ready to harvest normally?

Is there a chance the spike will send out side shoot and start blooming?

[Luizacft]

You can stimulate flower production by using a bloom fertilizer (high in P). If you notice, your current fertilizer is low in P, that might be the reason for the crazy keiki production :-)


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