Is it ok for a first spike on a Phal to keiki?
 

I bought a near bloom size Phal. equestris last year. A few months back, it sent out its' first spike (PROUD MOMENT) and gave me a cute seven inch spike with eight flowers. Not bad for a first spike I think. Since then all of the flowers dropped and I have been waiting for the spike to die back so I can repot. Then one day, out of the blue, the end of the spike burst open with three new blooms and a keiki. It has to be a keiki, why else would there be little leaves on the end of the spike? My question, is it ok for the first spike to have a keiki? The plant is little, but equestris stay little, right? I don't want the little guy to be stressing out, being its' first spike and all. This is my first go at a Phal that readily keikis. I'm kind of excitied, and nervous, about the new adventure. Thanks, Cindy

Well, Cindy, I hope so. I have an equestris that was a keiki last fall and started flowering this spring. It gave me a flush of blooms and then has produced one or two at a time since then. Mine also has a keiki starting at the end right now. I know that equestris is prone to this behavior and since the base plant looks healthy I am letting mine go for it. We will have to wait and watch together. :)

Phal equestris usually loves to make keikis. I would not worry. Plants don't just make keikis because their in trouble, some plants seem to like to. As long as your main plant looks healthy your on your way to having another Phal equestirs.

Ok, first I will say that Phal. equestris is genetically programed to make lots of keikies, both on the spikes (an actual keikie) and from the base (basal keikies, or basal growths, which should not be removed). Secondly, as you have already seen, equestris are sequential bloomers, meaning their spikes are evergreen, and will bloom continuously for years, and should only be removed if the plant is stressed, as if it had root rot, or some infestation. Otherwise, the spikes should stay green. But in the case that they do dry, there is nothing to be worried about. To answer your question though, I personally think that if the plant would not have been able to handle it, it would not have either spiked or keikied in the first place. So as long as you continue with the same culture techniques, the plant should be fine.

Don't worry about the keiki (unless the plant looks troubled), equestris and it's hybrids are known to produce quite a bit of them. :)

Enjoy!

Thanks for all of the info. The mother plant is healty, just recently adding a new leaf and several new roots, that is why I was waiting for the spike to dye back, so I could repot. I think it's getting a little too tight in the pot. Also, I did not know that the spikes were evergreen and would go on and on and on. I figured at some point that would dye back, just like all of my other Phals. So, next question. If the spikes continuously bloom, with possible keikis, when can I repot? This is the last of my phals due for an annual repot and root check.

I think the general idea that repotting a phal that is in spike or buds will cause the buds to blast is a general misconception. I think if the plant is growing new roots, then repot when you want!

^^^Agreed!

Agreed also. I have repotted Phals in bloom before and never had an issues with bud blast. The greatest danger is accidently snapping off a bud while manipulating the plant. If it needs to be repotted, then repot.

I have noticed on my equestris (have 5 of them) that the spikes last varying amounts of time. Some die off shortly after the main flush of blooms is gone, and some last a few more months putting out blooms and some just keep going for a long time.

I have repotted phals while in bloom...how nice that you have a baby plant and blooms at the same time...The mother plant gather all its energy by growing leaves and roots...then, if it has enough energy: it will spike forth flowers and also in your case a little keike...aint it just cool??!!