Phal--multiple growth

[kim]

Hi
I have a Phalaenopsis orchid that was in bloom last year when it was given to me. When the flowers were done, I clipped the stem with about 20 cm remaining. Nothing happened for ages, despite regular watering and fertilising, but in the last 4 months growth has gone mad. It has what I assume are thick roots shooting out of the base, above the soil (9 at last count), and what I think are two beginning flower stems. It also has grown new leaves at the top of the clipped flower stem, and this section is similarly sprouting new thick roots and one beginning stem (sorry if my terminology is off--I'm new to this). My question is, should I cut off the top plant (IS it a new plant?) and try to repot it? And does the bottom plant, the original, need repotting since it has grown new roots? Or should I just leave it all be?

Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks, Kim

[kmarch]

The top plant sounds like it is a new plant. We call babies like this keikis (Hawai'ian for "baby"). When the plant has 3-4 roots that are 2-3 inches ling and at least 2 or 3 good leaves you oculd cut it off and pot it up and raise it like a seedling. You oculd also just leave it if you wanted. I have seen Phals wiht blooming keikis still attached.

It sounds like your Phal took its sweet time adjusting to your conditions and now it is off to the races! Good growing!

[flowerchild]

Good growing Kim, I wish mine would put out a keiki or something!!!!

[fred]

hi kim
welcome to the forum
I hope that you enjoy your stay here with all of us orchidgeeks

[BillC]

Hi KIm, welcome to the forum, you will find a lot of nice people here and you will get a lot of good advice.
With regard to the phal, a pic. would be great help. As Kevin has pointed out you can leave the keiki on the plant or remove it and pot it up. If you decide to pot it, then I suggest you go to www.easyorchids.co.uk and on their homepage you will find in 'orchid propagation' section, a link for 'keiki propagation'. This is full of pictures for the complete process of removing and potting a keiki Good luck with it.

Bill

[PhalPal]

Wow - Congratulations Kim! "my plant is growing like mad what do I do?" is not a question we get from newbies to be sure! (certainly was not mine) Any chance it is a miniature variety? I have recently fallen in love with them because they are such great growers and bloomers. We love pictures and it helps everyone help you as well. Great job - just try to think back what you DID or DIDN'T do to have such success!

[brookn]

Arghh. Bill I just have to say great info. However, every time I go to that site I have to look at the plants. There is one that I want desperately and cannot find here in the states Phalaenopsis 'Miss O'Hara'. I love love love it. Okay I am done pouting. Gonna just have to get over it.

[jerrymeola]

Phals have a regular yearly life cycle. They require a cool period (20 degree drop from day to night) to set flowers. So this growth pattern is normal.

Still you are doing something very right. It certainly likes your conditions.