Phalaenopsis l H-Sin Sunflower HELP!! - Orchid Board

justatypn · #1 11-09-2007, 07:48 PM

Not sure what is going on with my phal. It's been blooming since May, thought after this long continous blooming I would let her rest for a renewed blooming next year. After the last bloom died this is what I found. Not sure what to do at this point. The findings not sure if it's a kieki or a new stem coming off the adult stem, three of them

...but look at the leaf, a single leaf yellowing and limp. I am unable to see the roots through the clear pot. It was repotted 7 months ago just prior to it's first showing. Will this one survive with no leaves and a healthy looking stem?

Phalaenopsis l H-Sin Sunflower

kiki-do · #2 11-09-2007, 08:16 PM

Hi Cheryl,
I'm guessing it's a new stem coming off the old one. I've never seen a leaf come out like that. If it were my plant, I think I would pull it out and have a look see at the root system. I know leaves can turn yellow when they get old, but usually you have others growing on top of it. All I can think of is the plant has exhausted itself. Hopefully others more experienced than I will give you the much needed advice for your orchid. Sorry I don't have anything concrete to offer. Keep us posted.
kiki-do

quiltergal · #3 11-09-2007, 09:26 PM

It looks like it's using it's last gasp to throw out a bunch of keikis. Doesn't look to me like the mother plant will survive, though stranger things have happened. Pull it out of the pot and see if it has good roots. If it does then it may send up a new leaf from the crown. Becca had one that did that.

cneos · #4 11-09-2007, 10:16 PM

I'd remove from pot and try growing bare root for a time.

justatypn · #5 11-09-2007, 11:56 PM

Thought about having her run barefooted for a while and see what happens. I will definitely see what the roots look like, the advise given has been so helpful, just want to cuddle the keiki's to good health and happy growing...

OrchidTess · #6 11-10-2007, 09:48 PM

I had a favorite Phal practically bloom itself to death, it looked almost like yours but I didn't get any keiki's. She now looks hideous BUT has 2 roots coming thanks to keiki root paste so I am hopeful. Does yours have any good roots?
Just my opinion but if its a favorite Phal I would get some keiki root to assure root growth on the keiki's.

Lagoon · #7 11-10-2007, 10:01 PM

Yes I've learned phals will bloom themselves to death, weird!
Some orchid folks are actually forcing spikes to keiki in vases.
I personally wouldn't do anything, I'd leave it be - perhaps you'll see a basal growth too.
Good luck Sue, Let us know how she turns out eh?!

mehitabel · #8 11-24-2007, 07:40 PM

Hi, cheryl. I haven't had that many keikis, but that little round leaf thing in your second picture looks like a leaf (keiki) to me. So do the other two.

I don't think your mama plant has much chance, but *three* keikis? That's a great gift from her, IMO. And a chance to actually observe the whole process of keiki formation as well as get three new little plants.

I agree with the poster who said you may get a basal keiki as well. So maybe even four.

I-Hsin Sunflower is a nice yellow, and the flowers last a long time. So congratulations!

I have a question, tho: is the most developed keiki the one nearest the light? I think that's what I'm seeing on a cut stem I keiki-pasted.

mehitabel · #9 11-24-2007, 07:52 PM

Hi lagoon,

I've been experimenting with keiki paste, and got three tiny meristems to a size about 1/8" on a cut stem in about two weeks. I was surprised and delighted.

I don't know if the stem has the strength to develop the keikis fully, but I get to watch, and I didn't have the courage to cut on a plant til I had tried it on a stem.

About three days ago, I keiki-pasted a stem on a strong plant that's not a favorite, and hope to see little 'stems in about 10 days.

Haven't done any of my darlings yet, but that's next if this works. Meantime, it's a thrill watching it.

Lagoon · #10 11-24-2007, 11:46 PM

Hi Mehitabel, Welcome to OB, glad to see you joined up

Yes I would think so, very interesting for sure. I was thinking about getting some paste - Ooo maybe next summer.
I would love to hear about your observations as time rolls on. I hope you keep us posted.

There's a product on the market for growing roots off cuttings. Its jusy called Roots I don't recall the company at the moment name tho'. Seems like you can get this anywhere.
I wonder if this would work the same way

Uh maybe not just googled it up , looks like a fungicide of some sort.
Roots® - Veseys