Equestris - Babies Having Babies

[jrodpad]

I have a tiny little equestris that spiked earlier this year and much to my chagrin every single bud blasted, one after the other. I was tempted to cut the spike and let the phal go vegetative, but I thought maybe I could get her to give a second round of buds and bloom the thing out. Much to my surprise, this is what started growing. I didn't think the mother was old enough to keiki, but looks like I was wrong. It's just so cute!

-J

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Yes, equestris are really kieki happy plants!!!! I was talking with a friend, and he says his equestris 'Orange' has done nothing but make kiekis for him, but he did say it was growing under shady conditions. I'm doubt this is enough evidence, but maybe the difference between bud formation and kieki formation is in the light levels. I am getting a kieki of this plant, and it will be under brighter conditions in ky closet, so I guess we will see if it kiekis or not.

[camille1585]

I have also heard that low light promotes keikis, but ti should not influence the buds. My equestris plants get good light, yet the one in bloom is strange. It made 2 spikes; 1 is flowering beautifully, while the other keeps on blasting buds. no idea why....

[Lana]

J, congrats on your keiki! It's a cutie
I have several varieties of equestris now, and every single one is growing a keiki at the end of the spike after it finished flowering. They all are in a very bright shade, even some later afternoon sun. I just love this species! First you get these beautiful little flowers, and then you get an extra plant (or plants)!

[bballr4567]

It's one of the plants I want but I don't have the room for the keikis! Lol

[jrodpad]

Thanks folks. It's in the same light it a usual bright, indirect. For the last few months it's been sitting on a seedling mat.... perhaps that's the difference? In any event, it sure is fun to watch develop. No complaints here. Interestingly enough, my 'Orange' equestris isn't doing anything at all. Ha!

-J

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

It's one of the plants I want but I don't have the room for the keikis! Lol

Maybe you don't have room for them, but you can trade with other people, or make people happy by giving them away. Some of my equestris originated as keikis from Switzerland, and I'm going to send one of their keikis to the UK.

[bballr4567]

I wish I could. I have zero friends that have an interest in orchids and the gardening society here is very narrow when it comes to it as well.

Plus, Im sure my wife would kill me if she knew I got a plant that is known for making more of them! lol

[camille1585]

I bet if you put an ad on OB people would snap them up in minutes!