Keiki question

[risa59]

I have a 1 1/2 inch keiki growing on the spike on a Phal. The Phal doesn't look like it will survive too long (roots don't look good) and it only has two remaining leaves (both small and relatively new). I don't see any roots on the keiki (yet?) Do I wait to pot the keiki until it has visible roots? Then do I pot it with part of the spike? How much of the spike? Potting medium? Withhold water for a while?
I'm thinking sooner rather than later to pot the keiki if possible since I don't want to lose the Phal and also its keiki. Is that right?
A link to step by step help would be much appreciated. All I could find were posts about keikis on Dens. Many thanks.

[mayres]

Here is a link for one of the best how-to pictorials that is often used - Easy Orchids - Keiki Propagation
Try to keep the mother going until you can gets some roots started on your keiki. I'd mist the keiki daily (early in the day) to try and encourage some root formation.

[risa59]

Just what I was looking for! Thank you. Now I just have to try to keep the "parent" alive long enough for roots. I love my orchids, but they are challenging!

[risa59]

Well the mother plant just lost its last two leaves and the roots are all gone as well! I had to take the keiki off and pot it (despite the fact that although it has two nice leaves, I don't see any roots on the keiki). Question: Should I water it? But I'm afraid of rotting the keiki's leaves. I know that orchids can get water from their leaves but is this a losing game?
That makes two orchids I've lost in about a month. I'm upset to say the least. Help!

[dr_frnkblck]

you can try the "sphag and bag" technique on the keiki to try to induce roots.

[risa59]

I have just planted it in bark but will try sphag. instead. Is the "bag" part really in a plastic bag? Open or closed? Moist?

[dr_frnkblck]

There are many different interpretations of the term. If you type sphag and bag into the search engine, some threads pop up. I've personally never had to try this so I'm not the best person to ask.