Branches growing leaves?

[orangecat]

I have an orchid (the very common kind that starts with ph and is white and purplish) and a couple of weeks ago leaves started growing from a branch. Does anyone know why this is happening and what I should do?

[kmarch]

Hello orangecat and welcome ot the forum.

If it is a phal (phalaenopsis) then you probably have what we call a keiki (keiki is the Hawaiin word for baby). Phals can sprout new babies form the nodes (joints) on their flower stems (inflorescences).

What should you do about it? Well for the time being at least, nothing. Just let it grow. Eventually it will grow some roots too and when you have 2-3 roots that are 2-3 inches long, you could remove the baby and pot it up. Or, you could just leave it to grow.

[patlee]

Hi Orangecat, Welcome to the best little forum on the web We can probably help with any problems, so be sure to ask away...Right now, it sounds like you have a Phalaenopsis and it is growing a keiki--Hawaiian for "baby". You'll want to wait until it has two or three leaves with 2 or 3 inch roots, then separate it gently from the mother plant and repot.

Congratulations!! A free orchid

[patlee]

Sorry, Kmarch--our messages must have crossed in cyberspace

[orangecat]

Thanks for the advice! That is exciting that I have a baby on the way

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by patlee

Sorry, Kmarch--our messages must have crossed in cyberspace

Nothing to be sorry about. If nothing else, orangecat knows he/she's getting consensus.

[fred]

orangecat

first of all welcome to the forum


could you please go into your UserCP at the top left of the page and update your location.

that will help us with giving you the right advice also to help us to understand your growing conditions as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions

thank you

[patticake]

Hi Orangecat!! Glad to have you with us! kmarsh and patlee said it all! I'm just hopping in to say welcome! By the way, I love orange cats! I have one that I love to pieces! I also have a black & white long-haired tuxedo kitty. They're the best. Good growing and good luck with your keiki! Keep us posted.

[kmarch]

patticake.......march like the month, not marsh like the stinky, swampy bog.

[patticake]

Originally Posted by kmarch

patticake.......march like the month, not marsh like the stinky, swampy bog.

I'm so sorry, Kevin!! I get typing, and my fingers do their own thing! I apologize!

[orangecat]

Originally Posted by fred

orangecat

first of all welcome to the forum


could you please go into your UserCP at the top left of the page and update your location.

that will help us with giving you the right advice also to help us to understand your growing conditions as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions

thank you

Done! Thanks for the advice everyone! And btw, I am a girl! I guess the handle doesn't give that away! And yes, I love my big fat orange cat so much that I named my company after him. Most people know me better as orange cat than my real name!

Also, one little root is starting to grow! I am excited to see what happens!