What is this phalaenopsis doing?! Keiki?? *PICS*

[imationkarl]

So, I had two phalaenopsis succumb to root rot about a month ago while trying to acclimate them to semi-hydroponic. I chopped off 100% of their roots (everything was rotten) and planted them together in a small container of sphagnum moss in an attempt to save them.

Possibly important note: before they rotted out they had just finished flowering and I cut the finished spikes off, leaving about 2-3 inches of flower spike on each phal.

Well, a month later and both orchids have grown multiple 2inch+ roots. They are recovering nicely.....

BUT....the larger of the two phals sprouted what looked like 2 new flower spikes. The phal has two 2-3inch cut off spikes, and a new growth appeared on each of these two spikes. One growth froze at about 1/3 inch long and hasn't grown in about 2 weeks, but the other growth is nothing I've ever seen....It has what looks to be tiny phal leaf sets, but the way the leaves are spaced on the stalk is something I've never seen before.

So, what is this? A keiki? If so, when will it start forming roots?

I had trouble uploading pics directly onto the forum, so they are linked below to my photobucket:






I just moved these phals out of intense cattleya light to a more indirect window after noticing a sunburn on the smaller one. The period of high light exposure might explain the red hue on the growths.

Thanks!

Karl

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Don't know, but it isn't a keiki.

[imationkarl]

Strange.... I would have to say it's definately not a flower spike... the leaf things on the spike are very similiar in texture to a phal leaf, but the orientation on the spike is all wrong.

After each "leaf" opens (single leaves, they aren't coming in sets like normal phals), the spike becomes thinner. I don't think there is any way it could support flowers.

I really am curious about what this thing is... I noticed it grew tremendously fast (put on about an inch and the "leaves" are becoming much larger) since I took it out of direct light a few days ago.

I'll post pics of any exciting development.

Karl

[RosieC]

How strange. No idea what it is, so keep us posted as it grows.

[Jennyfleur]

Hmm ... triffid creation?

[BobInBonita]

Not sure, but I'm guessing spike that will branch.

It looks to me like a terminal bud forming, and the "outshoot" at one of the nodes under the "minileaf" looks like another spike tip starting.

It definitely is atypical, but between the root stress and the high light, you may have pushed it a bit.

Great save with the roots as bad as you describe. I'm going to rethink my treatment of "intensive care" orchids. I've always given them lower light until they start to send out new growth. Your technique sure seems to have worked miracles - quickly.

[tucker85]

I have one phal that does that same thing. There are small leaves along the flower spike. So far none of them has turned into a keiki. You'll just have to wait and see.

[imationkarl]

Thanks for the messages everyone.

I deal with root rot occasionally since I'm in the slow process of switching my entire collection over to semi-hydro. When something "doesn't take" I usually notice within a week and by then usually all the roots are dessicated. I always chop everything off to the rhizome (except leaves) and either plant it in spag or a glass with an inch of RO water. eventually they throw out new roots.

Orchids are the most resistant plant I've ever seen. I've only completely lost two plants in the past 3 or 4 years; a hoya with sunlight issues and a $7 phal.. it seems you can make them bounce back from mostly anything.

[Paul Mc]

I have absolutely no clue what that could be. I can't wait to see more pictures as it develops!

Also, I noted that no one really answered your question about roots on keiki's. If it is indeed a keiki, roots can take a year to a year and a half to form and grow. I've had a keiki for almost one year and it just now has started a small 1/4 inch root. From what I've read, you are supposed to wait until the root is about 3 to 4 inches long before cutting the keiki free. If it turns out to be a keiki, I hope this information was helpful.

[imationkarl]

Thanks, it is. I use the same tactic with spider plants when friends and family come around begging for cuttings.

More pics this weekend, the thing is growing.