Is this an old keiki?

[Jirel]

I just bought this plant, it is bloom beautifully -



But this thing has roots up half the plant. While looking at it I started wondering if it is an old keike that wasn't taken off the plant? This is the part of theplant that is blooming so if the best thing would be to seperate it, I won't do it until it quits blooming. Here are several views of the base to try and give you a good look.



Here I've circled the base because it's hard to see.

[kid a]

It looks like it might be, but I am not sure because I am not that familiar with plants that grow p/bs. My uneducated says yes but I could be wrong. I bet someone else would be able to tell for sure though. That flower is beautiful what is it?

[janet_a]

looks like a vuylstekeara; they grow their p.bulbs sort of up instead of across, if that makes sense. imagine the plant is hanging on to a rock; each new pbulb grows up the rock face. even if they're in pots, they don't grow horizontally, but more like they're climbing stairs. i wouldn't do anything with it unless it's too big to handle and you need to divide it.

[Hummer344]

It looks like its Belallara Marfitch "Howards Dream". Or a close relative. As mine got older it put out roots like those in the pictures. I divided it a couple of years ago and it hasn't grown out "air roots" yet. IMHO, I wouldn't think that was an old keike

[Jirel]

Hummer has it - its Howard's Dream. I'll have to check up on 'How to divide Orchids'. I don't like the way the roots hang out, I worry about watering it unless I want to sit it in a bucket of water every time.

[janet_a]

i wouldn't worry about it; the aerial pbulb is getting moisture from the one it's attached to. just water over the aerial roots too and it should be fine.

[brookn]

Hi, I do not worry about aerial roots on my plants. I just make sure they get some water when it is time for the rest of the plant to get watered. I believe that they draw moisture from the air, and you have great humidity for it. I have Phals and Onc. alliance with tons of aerial roots (I have good humidity), and they do not suffer between waterings. IMO I think that they are beautiful, and a sign of a happy healthy plant.

[kmarch]

This family of plants doesn't usually keiki, but they do climb and I have frequently seen subsequent pseudobulbs growing each a little higher the the previous one as if the plant were climbing up a branch or tree trunk, which in the wild it would be. Repotting or dividing will not stop this climbing habit, besides the plant looks too small to divide anyway. All of the tangled roots growing out all over the place are perfectly normal for this orchid.

[patlee]

I go out of my way to water the aerial roots on most of my orchids--but only because I just love to see them turn green Hey, whatever gets you through the day

[solay]

Pat, I do that too sometimes just for kicks. Even if the plant doesn't need the water, I go over and squirt a little water on the roots and watch it change colors. LOL!!! We are a bunch of nuts!!!

[Jirel]

Well, the arial roots on my phals started withering when I didn't have time to water like I do now, so I was a little worried.

[solay]

Jirel, looks like the majority says it's fine and healthy. Nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the beautiful blooms. Love the color and pattern on it by the way.

[Orchidementia]

I have this same orchid (well, one like it - you know what I mean!). Mine's one healthy SOB and has roots coming everywhere. Let it be, and mist it if you feel like it.

Oh, and the blooms on mine last a good long time. You will love this orchid! I call mine "Prince" because it's so PURPLE.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by patlee

I go out of my way to water the aerial roots on most of my orchids--but only because I just love to see them turn green Hey, whatever gets you through the day

I don't think that sounds wacky at all (or maybe I'm just wacky too....nah can't be that). I think these qualities are quite fascinating and just one more aspect to enjoy!

[new_keiki]

Hello all,

Since we're talking about vuyl, I have a question on mine (Melissa Brianne). I have more and more brown spots on the leaves of the old bulbs, but none so far on those of the new growth. Can anybody advice whether it is infected with a virus? Or are they simply age spots like those on my face? :P Sorry I don't know how to attach photos so I'll put the link to my pictures instead - sorry for the inconvenience Picasa Web Albums - s - Vuylstekeara ...

I put it on an east window sill so about good 5 hours of direct sun everyday, temp range is about 80oF/75oF and I have terrible roots (short needle thin). Judging by the look of the roots I tend to keep it moist (put it on a tray) but it doesn't seem to change a thing so I'm wondering if there's anything I don't do right. I'd appreciate all your advice, TIA!

sara

[jerrymeola]

Spotting on leaves of Oncidium intergenerics is very common.

It is a virus but a harmless one.

Enjoy your plant, it is growing normally.

[kmarch]

I dont' believe it is a virus. This sort of leaf spotting is quite commonly caused by a fungus that flourishes when it is humid and cool. If I understand correctly, it is similar to botrytis spotting on flowers. This type of spotting is not viral.