What should I do?

Phal Gal · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 10:18 PM

I am relatively new to the orchid scene. I left the spike on my Phal after it finished blooming last year, thinking that it might bloom again. It never did. I now have what appears to be 2 keikis growing from it, without roots! What should I do? Also, what I thought was a new leaf growing at the base has not grown any more in quite some time. Could it be a keiki also? I know I need to repot but I have been afraid to with the new growths! Help!

awhoward · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 10:24 PM

Im no expert and im sure some else will come along to give you more advice but my two cents is that the keikis will probably grow roots. It just may take awhile. How long have they been growing? In my opinon the best time to repot is when there is new growth forming. Especially if the new growth is new roots. The new roots will be able to adapt to whatever you repot the plant in

Andrew

dounoharm · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 11:04 PM

andrew is right, the keikis will eventually send out little roots....when the roots are about 2-3 inches in length it is safe to pot em up....i wouldnt worry about repotting as long as you are careful not to disturb the roots more than necessary....phals are pretty tough usually....gl

kmarch · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phal Gal

I now have what appears to be 2 keikis growing from it, without roots! What should I do?

As the others have suggested, for now, do nothing. They'll eventually grow roots and then you can remove them and pot them up. Alternatively you can leave them where they are for good. Sometimes phals will flower off keikis giving a bigger show of flowers. There's a picture somewhere here on the forum of this enormous phal with about half-a-zillion growths and keikis and about 50 flower spikes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phal Gal

Also, what I thought was a new leaf growing at the base has not grown any more in quite some time. Could it be a keiki also?

Is it growing form the center crown of the plant? If so it's just a normal new leaf. If not and it actually is coming form the base, it could be a new growth. Not a keiki as keikis grow off the inflorescences. Sometimes they grow really fast for a while then stop. If the plant is generally healthy and well cared for, don't worry about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phal Gal

I know I need to repot but I have been afraid to with the new growths! Help!

You can repot phals most any time. I recommend not repotting when new roots are growing as you don't want to risk damaging the new roots.

patticake · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:15 AM

The folks above have given great advice! All I want to add is..

!!

Tarad · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 10:06 AM

Welcome!! ALso leave the little babies alone you are so lucky I never get keikis

They will grow roots as per mentioned Tara

CharliesAngel51 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:53 PM

Phal Gal. As you can see this a great place for info. Glad you joined us.

Phal Gal · #8 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 09:55 PM

A BIG THANKS for all the advice & welcomes!!

solay · #9 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 10:44 PM

Welcome. Glad you found us. Hope to see/read more from you.

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