Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web !

Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web ! (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/)

- Pleurothallis Alliance (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/pleurothallis-alliance/)

- - Masdevallia keiki (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/pleurothallis-alliance/35957-masdevallia-keiki.html)

Masdevallia keiki

My Masdevallia Kimballiana has a keiki. A big one. In fact, I thought it was just 2 growths until today on my every-couple-of-months war on snail inspection, I realised that they were growing about 1/2" up another growth.
So, Can I leave it be without adverse affect to the mother plant, or are they too big, and will be too great a strain on its resources? I didn't even realise that Masdies could do this.
On another, though related point. I've always assumed that a keiki, although fun, is actually a not great sign. Some sort of swan song on the part of a plant. My plant, however, is healthy and happy, and we all know how quickly Masdies tell you when they're not! Can someone who grows more of these tell me if I'm right on this one or not?
Thank you!
Kay

PS If I have to remove it, anyone in London want it??!

I have not been able to get any of mine to keiki, grow large enough to divide yes, but not keiki. I have recieved some from stores that had groups of plants that were once connected to each other, either because they broke off or were keikies themselves (I don't know). If it was my collection, I would take the keiki off as soon as it had good roots on it and planted separately. Reason for it, why have all my eggs in one basket. If I can grow two of the same species, I can experiment a little on growing conditions and if worse comes to worse, if there is a disaster, I will reduce my chances of loosing the whole plant. I hope someone with more experience can chime on in on the kieki issue, as you do bring up a good question..