Got a orchid off Facebook. Looks like new orchid is growing from old stem. Any ideas

[Rossplym]

Hi I just got a orchid for £2 off Facebook. The base leaves don't look great but it's growing more new ones. It's got a stem from a previous flower but at the top it's likes it's grown another orchid could I cut this off and grow it? If so how would I do this. Also its growing another stem from the new plant. Any ideas on what I should do. Thanks

[Paphluvr]

It's called a keiki and it's quit common. It needs to develope roots before being removed, which should happen if grown in an environment with ample humidity. It's generally suggested that the roots be 8-10cm long before removing it. It can then be potted up in new mix in it's own pot.

[Rossplym]

Thanks for the reply. I have watered and re potted, use a bit of spray mist for Orchids. Is it anything to worry about the bottom leaves on the main plant are really leathery and bit withered.

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by Rossplym

Thanks for the reply. I have watered and re potted, use a bit of spray mist for Orchids. Is it anything to worry about the bottom leaves on the main plant are really leathery and bit withered.

Withered leaves can be a sign of under-watering. However, it can also be a sign that the plant has a poor root system and cannot take up enough water.

How did the root system look when you repotted it? Did you moisten the new mix before repotting? If the new mix was used dry it can be hard for it to retain moisture.

[Orchidtinkerer]

the plant is re-flowering so the keiki cannot be removed at this point. You need to wait till it has flowered, the flowers have dropped and the keiki needs to develop the roots mentioned. Once it has those it can be removed with a sharp scalpel from the stalk. That is a lot of energy for a potentially stressed plant that has just been repotted and is discarding lower leaves. Personally I would snip the new flower stalk as that is too much energy the plant needs in too short a time when the root system is not in good enough shape (snip after the keiki, so the keiki is still attached but nothing more growing on). Snipping the flower stalk will preserve energy and speed up the keiki roots but you won't get any flowers. I would do it to save the plant some energy but up to you. For £2 you did well. That keiki looks like it has already been growing for a year or so and losing a couple of lower leaves is to be expected. Looks like a good purchase with lots of potential

[Rossplym]

Hi guys I did what you said and cut the flower stem off, and now the orchid has grown like crazy I have what looks like 2 flower stems growing from the bottom plant and 2 growing from the top plant and roots everywhere.

[estación seca]

Congratulations! The plantlet on the stem has roots long enough to separate and pot up. You don't need to do it now, but you can.