How Do I Save A Phalaenopsis Keiki
 

Hello All,

I've been bitten by the Orchid bug while trying to salvage a dying Phal for my mother-in-law.

I have a Phal in my hands that is suffering from extreme root loss and rot. One leaf has already fallen from the plant and the other which is a recent leaf about 4wks old appears to be wilting and wrinkled (currently bagged to retain moisture). The plant has a cane, no flowers, but it does have a Keiki on it that has been growing for the better part of two months now. The Phal looks like its only days away from complete death. Is there anyway to save the keiki even though there are no signs of roots on it yet? The keiki itself also appears to be getting a wilting leaf with wrinkles.

That keiki really looks too small to grow independently (a keiki should at least have a few roots). I'd keep it on the original plant until the plant dies completely, then cut off the spike at the base and stick it in water (water with some nutrients). However, can't guarantee that the keiki will survive, but at least give it a try! :)

You might want to try water culture by suspending the mother plant in water. Not very deep, just so the base of the stem is below the water line. It might help to save both.

Keep the routine up of watering even after the mamma plant has died. Loosely place a baggie over the keiki to raise the humidity around it. I have 2 keikis growing right now this way, one on a spike with no plant left. Don't cut anything, you'll lose the keiki if you do. Good luck!