Phal - Keiki's

[MARTHADODD]

After nearly four years and with the continual help from reading your forums, I finally convinced two of my four phals to bloom. Question - on the end of each bloom shoot there is a small bud(for lack of a better term). I have read articles saying this could be another bloom or keiki. How do I determine which this is and how long does it take for me to tell. Blooms were on for 10 weeks, now all I have is the bloom shoot and "bud". Advise please.
Martha

[mayres]

If you get a keiki it will not come from the end of the spike where there appears to be a budlike structure. It will form on one of the spike nodes. Common practice is to cut the spike just above the last node and then wait and see what happens - either another subspike or maybe a keiki. Some have suggested that if you cut above a lower node the chances of a keiki increase as you approach the base of the plant. Whether it produces a keiki or not will to some degree depend upon genetics and environmental factors. So far my preferred common practice is to cut the spike completely off and let the plant build up its energy for the next year's bloom cycle. Whichever way you go - enjoy! mike

[dennis]

here are some pics of a keikei

[dennis]

the above pictures were taken on 2-21-07 here it is 3-17-07. shortly after the first pics were taken i transplanted them into semi hydroponics using msu fertilizer. you can see the growth difference in just under a month

[MARTHADODD]

Thanks Dennis and Mike for the quick reply. Sounds like we will probably just cut the stems and look forward to next year. Dennis, I did notice that there are "buds" on your keikei picture similiar to the ones that I described.
This is not even a true hobby for me - I just like orchids and this web site has been just wonderful help for a true novice.
Martha

[dennis]

i bought this at a local nursery itwas in bad shape it had three keikeis on it. when i repotted it i found the roots were pretty bad. since i have transplanted it, it has done a complete turnaround and now has 7 spikes growing on it

[fred]

you have done well 7 spikes boy that is pretty good
well done