Are my leaves normal??

[jemwah]

Hello to all,

Please can someone tell me if it is normal to have leaves growing 3/4 of the way up my stem??

[kmarch]

It is normal. It's called a "keiki" which is the Hawaiian word for "baby." It's a new baby Phal that is growing form one of the nodes on the inflorescence. It will grow a few leaves then eventually start growing roots.

If you want you can leave it alone indefinitely. It could even bloom while it is still attached. Or once it has about 3 roots each about 3 inches long you could remove it and pot it in its own pot.

[janet_a]

congrats. you're going to be a grandparent.

[jemwah]

excellent news! this is what i was hoping, how long should the process take? and will this happen every year? i have a million and one other questions so i would be greatful of any advice that you may have!

[jay]

It is hard to say why a plant will produce a keiki. Some plants are genetically prone to doing this like Phal. pulchra. I know that Phals and Dendrobiums will produce keikis, but I am not sure if there are others.

Good luck with the keiki, and keep us updated.