Question on a phal in a store I saw...
 

I saw the most beautiful phal the other day in the store, and my partner is so proud of me because it did not come home with us, lol...

However, there was a reason for it and I'd like to get your opinions. I have learned that when an orchid is dying (even if it's not immediatly obvious) that it will produce keiki's. This particular orchid looked somewhat fine although it only had 3 leaves, however it had two keiki's forming on the flower stalk and basal keiki. They all had relatively massive roots and were forming flower stalks as well. Only 2 of the flowers from the mother were in bloom but there were several more.

I wanted to get it so bad because of all of the babies and potential blooms on it, but I was concerned that there might have been something wrong with it as there were so many baby's and the mother did not look very mature.

I have bought orchids from these people before but I don't think they take the best care of them judging from the media they are typically in.

The way I understand it Keikis can be a sign that the plant is stressed. The stress could just be caused by poor care or because of a problem like root rot or other disease. Having said that there are some varieties that are known for producing keikis under normal conditions. So it doesn't necessarily mean that there's something wrong with the plant. I agree with you. I would avoid a phal with a keiki unless I knew that the variety tends to produce them.

I am no expert, but it would have come home with me just to have all the flowers and babies available. I would have tried to save momma plant. But, that is me, the bleeding heart.

I personally would take a plant with a few mature keikis even though the mother was an absolute goner. Because unless the mom had a disease, the keikis should grow fine if they have good roots, and being that they are genetically identical to the mother, it wouldn't really matter if the mom died. There was a phal I saw at the store yesterday with a keiki, and I would have bought it, but if I did, I wouldn't have had enough money to buy my Mom's Christmas present. I am glad that I am not too far gone as an Orchidaholic!