Basal keikis - Orchid Board

Kelo · #1 08-02-2012, 07:43 PM

I have a phal that has two basal keikis growing from it. I haven't experienced this before. I take it they develop the same way and keikis from a spike form and wait until they have enough roots to survive when cut off?

FairyInTheFlowers · #2 08-02-2012, 08:14 PM

From what I have heard, Phals tend to react negatively to having basal kiekis removed, I have heard a story were someone purposely removed a well established basal kieki, and both the kieki and mother died. Now, I am not sure if it was the actual process, or an infection that got in through the cuts, but I have not heard of any other story related to basal kiekis but that one.

Kelo · #3 08-02-2012, 08:22 PM

Thank you for that, Cody. I think I will just leave them on there. it will look fabulous when all three plants produces some spikes. This one hasn't flowered for me yet so here's hoping it's beautiful flower!

james mickelso · #4 08-03-2012, 12:57 AM

If you produce keikis instead of flowers you aren't feeding it right. Too much nitrogen at the wrong time and not enough light. I would leave them together. Like you, I think it would be great to have all three flower at the same time. Here's one of my pair. And both are flowering now.

WhiteRabbit · #5 08-03-2012, 01:15 AM

Basal keikis are different than spike keikes and really can't be separated.

Some orchids are just prone to keiki (whether basal or spike) and aren't necessarily an indication of a problem. If roots and plant look good and plant blooms when expected, there's probably no problems.

Kelo · #6 08-03-2012, 06:07 AM

Thank you for the information. The plant is in fine health and gets fed the same as the other phals that are throwing out spikes like there is no tomorrow. I had thought that they were different from spike keikis in that they could not be detached but was not certain. I suppose it's unlikely that this one will flower this year.

FairyInTheFlowers · #7 08-03-2012, 01:46 PM

I also agree with Rosie, some phals, even those not genetically prone to it, will throw random basal kiekis for no apparent reason. And since you've been feeding it the same, it obviously can't be that.