Separation of new growth.

[Runwayman134]

Hello all,
I'm new to the orchid world, and to this forum. I've looked, but I can't find any threads that deal with the issue I'm dealing with. Maybe there is one, and I just don't know the correct terminology to look for. I inherited a (I think) miltoniopsis that was neglected for at least a year. Since I started taking care of it, it has sprouted leaves above where the flowers were. Along with thsee leaves there is a green sprout that looks like another flower spike, but is it possible that it's a root? How would I know? My other question is, if it is a root can I clip it off and start another plant? Thanks in advance for all your help.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Please post 4 more throwaway posts and then post some pics.

[fishmom]

Yes, just make a few comments on other threads and then you will be able to post pictures. It will help with identification of the plant and also of the growth you describe.

[Runwayman134]

Ok, thanks

[camille1585]

You can try adding a photo anyway (just make sure it's not too large). A lot of people say there's a 5 post minimum before being able to post photos, but I've seen brand new members post photos before.... Not quite sure what the forum settings are!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Don't clip roots off of a plant. You can't start a new plant that way, and it weakens the plant that you removed the root from.

[Runwayman134]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Don't clip roots off of a plant. You can't start a new plant that way, and it weakens the plant that you removed the root from.

I guess it'll be easier to understand what I'm talking about when I able to post pics. I wasn't going to cut any roots. The original plant has a stalk that comes from the base, which in turn the flower stem came from. That stalk continued passed that, and new leaves have formed. From the second leaves a piece has started to grow, and it looks like a root. My question was if I could cut the "stalk" below the new, or upper most leaves that have formed to start a second plant.

[camille1585]

I understand what you are saying, but have a hard time visualizing what's happening since you say it's a Miltionopsis. If it was a Phal, I'd guess it was a keiki growing off a node on a spike, which is common. But Miltionopsis (and Oncidiums in general) don't do that. Spikes just yellow and die, and any new growth comes from the base. Occasionally there will be a weird growth on top of a pseudobulb that looks like it could be a new plant.

Photos are really necessary to understand what's ahppening. If you still can't add photos via the forum, you can also try this: ImgBB — Upload Image — Free Image Hosting
Simply upload a photo, then paste the bbcode it gives you into your post.

[Runwayman134]

Thanks! I really don't know what it is. I inherited it, and really know nothing about it even down to what color the flowers are. It was in pretty rough shape when I got it, it has really bounced back. I'll post pics when I get home. Thanks for your understanding, and help.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Photos are the best method of description right now. Particularly if it is unclear what the terms are to describe the anatomy of the plant and you’re not even sure what kind of orchid you have.