Cut Keiki and repot, or keep and semi-mount? - Orchid Board

Helene · #1 09-21-2014, 06:40 AM

Have this beautiful Keiki, and its almost as big as a normal plant when you buy it.

I kinda like it, its cool, and I only put a branch in to support it- getting kinda heavy in the top with two keikis…

But: I cant have it like this, cause I need to moist it several times each day, if I dont I see the mother plant is unhappy.

So options:
-Cut the keikis, and then have 3 plants.
Actually I dont need three plants of this noid phal. And its way cooler the way it is.

-semi-mount. Started thinking if I put the whole plant in a bigger pot (with the original pot inside), put a tree-stem (not sure how to explain in english) in the big pot, and somehow carve some holes or shelves for the keikis to be mounted on. And add some moss around the roots. That means a bit of work, but would that work you think? Keep it the way it is, but keikis mounted?

Lol- not sure if anyone understand what I'm trying to say

Pics
When I first noticed the plant (hubby has been taking care of them before)

Now:

Any advices? Not afraid to experiment, but I really like natures way of doing things- and prefer not to cut the keikis. Unless mother is gonna die, then I need to cut.

Thanks

MattWoelfsen · #2 09-21-2014, 07:08 AM

Isn't that a lovely plant. I have a similar combination with my Phalaenopsis. My keiki also bloomed. I have kept the mother daughter together to display at my society meetings to help new members understand that it doesn't matter what kind of potting media you use, if any--as it is in this case.

But there are consequences--such a configuration requires more attention to keep plant hydrated. And your plant will probably not spike and produce flowers--but I've seen a mother plant spike and the keiki spike at the same time.

You have three plants, you have a lot of choices.

Helene · #3 09-21-2014, 08:09 AM

Thanks for replying, Matt- I have read several of your posts, seems like you are a good orchid grower, I'm a newbie

Lol, my plants are old though

You think I can manage to help keep the keikis moist by giving them a way bigger branch as support? Like mount all three in a bigger pot? Mother as it is, keikis mounted on the bigger branch? Moss around roots, or try to carve holes in proper place and add some bark?

I dont think the mother will spike- thats okay, I've just recently (august) discovered my plants, and got a new hobby. I dont only love the flowers, actually I love the plants, the roots and the way they grow. Thats why I want to keep it like it is. If that means I need to drag home a freaking tree, so be it

lol- you know the worst part about this? Its addicting- and I'm actually planning on building an outdoor wintergarden (hopefully next year) so I can keep some outdoor, atleast for summer time.

I even like tillandsia (only have one, but planning to get more) cause they grow in the same way. I'm in love with these plants- getting nutrition from air/other plants/living on trees. Shame I live in such a cold country- but heeey- wintergarden are nice

Man, I keep chatting

Helene · #4 09-21-2014, 08:12 AM

Ps: yeah, I do spray the roots atleast twice each day, and try to water them every week in a bath

and I'm careful not to water the crown, and if there is water inside- I dry it with cotton or toiletpaper or whatever.

Addicted much

??

lotis146 · #5 09-23-2014, 02:32 AM

Ohhhh, the addiction only grows. I went from wanting to save the Phals I had received, to loving them and wanting to know more, to now having mini Catts, Zygos, Oncids, Paphs, a Phrag, it's gotten out of control...

That said, I LOVE YOUR PLANT(S)!!! Of those I needed to save were twin keikis. I only cut them off the mother because she was suffering and their long roots were shriveling, I wasn't keeping up with moistening them daily. Yours look pretty healthy right now but I can understand your interest in mounting them, after all my understanding is that's what they'd do in the wild, attach to the vegetation nearby not just be out in the air. And I do understand what you were explaining about your idea for mounting them; I say go for it! If it works for you I imagine it could be really cool.

I wish I could think of what it's called right now but there's mounting wood that's really holey that you can buy...First I think yes mom needs to be potted larger as probably some of those roots on her would do well with a little more contact with media, though misting twice a day will make up for that. SO then with the bigger pot you could stick a sturdy stake of sorts into it and attach your mounting platform to that and mount the keikis over and around some moss. Btw I have none mounted but have seen them so and seen instructional videos so there's a lot out there in terms of resources to help you mount them best. I think with a little creativity and motivation this could be a super cool project.

Please do keep us posted on how this is going for you. Good growing!!

Atzau · #6 10-22-2014, 12:03 PM

Wow, loving your plant. I would totally keep the keikis on if the most plant is not suffering. I think i can envision the semi mounting with biggest pot and tree branch idea and i think that would look totally awesome. I vote for that!

Atzau · #7 10-22-2014, 12:04 PM

Sorry, mother plant, not most plant....

cbuchman · #8 10-22-2014, 01:09 PM

I saw a great display of Mother and 2 keikis in bloom all at once win a blue ribbon at the Philadelphia Flower show last year. the best party if that it was brought in by an 11 year old boy! Of all the receiving committee were hoping he would get a ribbon.

I think any of your ideas will work so long as they provide support to the keikis and sufficient moisture to all.

CA2FLxplant · #9 10-22-2014, 04:51 PM

I love the way the keikis look with the mother...it's so "organic." And I think your idea with the branch sounds very pretty and doable...I want one!! I might have to try to force one and get me some paste!
Good luck - I'd LOVE to see what you come up with!