Separation of new growth.

[Runwayman134]

Library Slideshow by runwayman134 | Photobucket Hopefully this helps

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The orchid you have is some sort of Phalaenopsis. From the way it is potted and tagged, it seems that it is highly likely it is some sort of unnamed Phalaenopsis hybrid.

The part of the plant you were asking about is a keiki, (baby orchid produced through asexual reproduction). It is growing on the plant's inflorescence. There is a root growing out of the base of the keiki. The root is the shiny white part with the green tip.

Keep the growing root on the keiki hydrated.

I think it is best to wait just a little longer until the root on the keiki grows longer and when the keiki produces more roots. You can eventually peel the keiki off the inflorescence without much effort or any worry of damaging anything.

You may also remove the keiki by cutting the inflorescence with a pair of sterilized cutters.

Whatever you choose, it is up to you.

[Runwayman134]

Thank you

[camille1585]

Now everything makes sense with the photos! So it is a Phal. Congrats on the baby plant!

Usually the rule of thumb is to wait until there is a total of 3-4 inches of roots (can be 1 4 inch roots, or 2 inch roots...) When it's ready, you can remove it by cutting the spike just above and under where the keiki is connected, or twist it off. I personally find it easier to cut, since I then remove the spike anyway.

Then pot it up in the smallest pot it will comfortably fit in, you may have to improvise something. For instance, in the past I've used a small plastic water bottle, cut it down to the right height, and then used small sharp scissors to cut drainage holes.

This reminds me that I have some keikis of my own to remove and pot up, I keep forgetting about them!

[Dollythehun]

It also looks as though you need to bump up your watering.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

It also looks as though you need to bump up your watering.

Where do you see that? In the photos the plant (and keiki) looks happy and healthy to me...

[Runwayman134]

I water out once a week, and has thrived every since. It had two leaves on it when I got it, and in about six months of the once a week watering it has grown all those new leaves.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Where do you see that? In the photos the plant (and keiki) looks happy and healthy to me...

It looks healthy but a little limp.

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Runwayman134

I water out once a week, and has thrived every since. It had two leaves on it when I got it, and in about six months of the once a week watering it has grown all those new leaves.

If it's working for you, don't "fix" it. I'm simply used to more turgid leaves.

[aliceinwl]

I have a few Phals that seem to have naturally floppy leaves like this. If the spike that the kieki is growing on is flexible, you can pot up the baby without cutting the spike, and let it get established before separating it. It's so much fun when rescues bounce back!

[Runwayman134]

Thanks everyone for your advise