seperating basal keikis
 

So a few weeks ago I separated some basal keikis from the mother plant, they were pretty big and a had a ton of their own roots. I noticed though that after cutting them the leaves were more pliable than usual and a few still are this way. Is this just the plants recovering or did I screw something up?

The plant in question is a phal, I pretty much just cut them where they were connected at the crown, all three plants had their own roots with nothing connecting them besides the crown.

If the keikis are well established with large roots as you mentioned, then you can just twist it away from the mother plant and it will be fine.
The keikis are still getting used to the new media mix and from being separated from the mother plant....it will perk up soon.

I disagree, Bud.

A basal keiki is more like a "conjoined twin" than an offshoot, and shares a lot more tissue. Twisting it off might do a great deal of damage.

As Stefus managed to get roots on the keiki (a relatively rare occurrence, which is why I don't ever separate them) and the wounds were treated to prevent infection, you're right, they should recover nicely.

Separating basal Keikis from the mother plant is not recommended for all the reasons Ray stated. Let us know if they survive.

I have never had luck with separating basal keikis. Did it once, and never dared do it again! Best of luck! Hope your keikis will thrive! Keep us posted on their progress.

Ray's right - they're sort of like conjoined twins. I prefer to call them "branches" instead of "keikis" - they're not really a new plant, it's the same basic process that causes trees to branch out. I have to disagree with Ray about the roots - Phals are perfectly capable of producing roots anywhere along the stem, and the branches will usually grow their own roots when they get big enough.

since they've already survived a few weeks, I'd guess they'll do just fine.

Here's a pictured of the parent plant and two keiki's. I somewhat regret not letting the plants stay as one plant but I want to give some plants to friends. The leaves are stiffening up a bit.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...414_010718.jpg

That's a good sign :)

I have one with a basel keiki and was wondering about trimming the leaves on the mother plant. The mother is terrible with wrinkled leaves, but the keiki is blooming. A short little spike with three flowers. It was on the mother when I got it and was just a little tiny thing. I knew it was in trouble(the mother) but got it anyway to see what would happen with the baby. I have just left it on the mother, as I don,t see any roots of its own on it. Just wondering if I could trim some of the leaves off the mother plant without stressing the baby?

if the leaves are brown & dry, or starting to rot, go ahead and trim them. If they're just wrinkled, but still green, leave them alone. They're still helping to support the plant. The plant should grow new leaves when it is ready, and will probably drop the old leaves on its own when it no longer needs them.