new stem on Vanilla planifolia = new plant?

[orchidsinjersey]

Since there's no forum just for propagation, thought I'd post here under dividing. My vanilla orchid is sending off another stem with leaves and roots from its main stem (it's curved around a curved bamboo stake and is at least 10' long). Is that a keiki and if so, when should it be removed from the parent plant?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

You could remove this if you want to, but I don't think the term keiki would apply here, as in nature the vines can have some very complex structure. The plant hanging in the greenhouse at the Santa Barbara Orchid Estates must weight a hundred pounds and is nothing but one huge bramble with lots of dead ends. They have probably taken many cuttings from the plant and it has sprouted side shoots over and over again. I would let the side shoot grow to about a foot and a half before cutting it off (with sterilized tool). Some commercial people cut them shorter for economic reasons. Cynthia

[orchidsinjersey]

Thanks, what do I put it in when it's big enough? The big one is in a bark mix.