Saving a Keiki

[Ron]

Hi as a lot of people ask how to save a Kiki here is a simple way
This is Phal amabilis with a kiki about 8 months old and starting to grow new roots.
I did not want to cut it off yet as the roots are far to small to support and get the plant growing.
so I cut a 3 inch clear pot in half on one side so it could slip around the roots and stem the kiki is growing on.
Then I tied a bit of tie wire around the little pot to hold it all together and keep it in place.
Then I fill the pot up with my usual mix of 12 to 18mm CoCo nuggets and then placed it back in its usual growing place.
I expect in about 4 to 5 months the roots will fill the little pot, then I can cut it off and pot up into a bigger pot.
A brand new plant free

[1joyceh]

WOW!!
thanks Ron, similar to air layering..

[Daethen]

Isn't the pot a bit heavy for the spike? Do you have it supported?

[jpyerry]

Really cool idea! Now, if only I could get one of my Phals to start a keiki, I could be in business.

[lmartiny]

I had that same question. But a good idea. I've got a number of keikis that came out this summer. (or last) On some, the roots are now so long they'll likely get a bit damaged to pot it.
Some of you may remember "the twins." I had to pot those up after the mother plant died from crown rot. Bummer. But so it goes.

[PaulB]

Nice pics Ron! And a great idea! Much safer for possible damage to roots later on.

[BluPeaches]

Nice thanks for the tip.

Look at those roots on the mother plant, AWESOME!

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Daethen

Isn't the pot a bit heavy for the spike? Do you have it supported?

Hi actually them stem it is growing on is very thick and strong, pot and CoCo nuggets hardley weigh anything.
so I did not worry about giving any extra support.

[plantloverlisa]

What a great idea, I am in awe of the roots on the mother plant.

[orchids4me]

Thanks Ron for the tip

[funktified]

Nice work Ron, envious of your skills

[Ron]

Originally Posted by funktified

Nice work Ron, envious of your skills

Thanks, I love too pass on tips, helps lots of newer growers grow Orchids better, afterall I picked it up in my learning days (and still learning) on trying to grow Phalls to perfection.
Cheerio

[rlilia]

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi as a lot of people ask how to save a Kiki here is a simple way
This is Phal amabilis with a kiki about 8 months old and starting to grow new roots.
I did not want to cut it off yet as the roots are far to small to support and get the plant growing.
so I cut a 3 inch clear pot in half on one side so it could slip around the roots and stem the kiki is growing on.
Then I tied a bit of tie wire around the little pot to hold it all together and keep it in place.
Then I fill the pot up with my usual mix of 12 to 18mm CoCo nuggets and then placed it back in its usual growing place.
I expect in about 4 to 5 months the roots will fill the little pot, then I can cut it off and pot up into a bigger pot.
A brand new plant free

Hello, I'm an enthusiastic newbi, saving one of my first phals....I think I start noticing something growing at the base... Could that be a root or a keiki? Anyway, I guess I better get ready, in case the orchid is pregnant.

Where can one buy Coco nuggets? What type of store? I'm in Vancouver, BC

Thanks for sharing! I'm intrigued!
Lilia

[Züleyha]

This is a great construction .