Phal keiki on browning flowerstem

[Sarahke]

Hello,

I got a dilema. Not quite sure what to do, so I'll drop the question here so I can have some opinions 'bout this issue.

I got a yellow phal. After flowering the two flowerstems remained green so I kept them. Both of the flowerstems grew a keiki. Now the flowerstem with the smallest keiki on (2 little leaves with leafspan of 2 cm and one little root of 1.5 cm) is starting to turn brown.

At the moment I daily spray the little root.

What to do? Cut the brown stem and try to pot the keiki? Keep on spraying and hoping for more growth? Is such a small keiki saveable? If so how?

Thx for your input.

Greetz
Sarah

[kmarch]

Well IMHO opinion you don't have many options: 1) cut the little guy off and see if he can make it on his own, or 2) leave him on as long as possible.

When you say the stem is turning brown, is it doing so from the end or the base where it is attached to the plant? Is it merely discolouring or is it shriveling too? Is it still firm?

[patticake]

Hi and welcome...I would keep spraying the keiki for a while. Is the browning happening right where the keiki is? If so, then you could try separating them this early, but you would have to be very diligent about keeping the baby moist(not wet) maybe on top of some moist sphag. If the spike is still green where the keiki is, then cut off the browning part, and let the keiki grow as long as possible with it's mama. I'm just taking a stab, here! Wait to see what others say first, then weigh your options! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Sarahke]

To answer Kmarch question: the stem is firm but discolering (drying up).
The stem acts the same way as other flowerstems drying up after flowering.

To patti: stem is totally discolering from the bottem of the plant to the top where the keiki is, no part of the stem got a green color anymore. I must say this happend rather fast, like overnight on few days all the color was gone.

[brookn]

I say cut it, it's probably no longer recieving any nutrients from the mother. You are momma now.

[Sarahke]

Ok

Of to find some small little transparant pot -really hard to find here- and some spagnum moss. Untill I find the needed materials i'll just keep spraying the little one.

Let's hope for the best

[Sabien]

Hello Sarahke,
I think you will find all the material you need in Orchid Jacky's shop in Kontich (Welcome to Orchidjacky). That should be in your area. Being new at this, I haven't been there myself yet, but I've heard the people are really helpful there.
Good luck!

[Sarahke]

Idd Sabien,

I know that place very well, all my orchids come from them...

Only problem is there opening hours, concidering I do work... only open for 'normal' pplz thursday-friday and saturday 10-16h.
Since we got big familly thing this saturday that means if I don't succeed in finding another place the little one got to wait 'till 9th August b4 I can get the needed mats.

[Sabien]

For the plastic pots: AVEVE. If they don't have them in the shop, they can order them from another shop. I found them in Kortrijk.
Sorry I'm so late, must have missed out on your reply.

[Sassismom]

I've never seen a keiki on a phal. Does anyone have a picture to post of one please?

[mayres]

Here you go!

[Sassismom]

Thank you Mike that is amazing, I never knew they did that. I've only seen a keiki on my Den.