How should I best care for and propagate the keiki on my ...
4” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
4
Best Answer
Hi 👋. For phalaenopsis orchids, it all depends where the keiki is and what type of keiki you have - a basal keiki or a keiki that grows on the flower spike. Looking at the picture, it looks as though you have a basal keiki - these type of keikis are connected to the mother plant through the stem. I’ll add a photo so you can see what my phal with a basal keiki looks like. It’s usually best to leave basal keikis attached to the mother plant - in time, they develop their own root system and live independently, and though they stay attached to the mother plant, they rarely deplete her resources and tend to be healthier if they stay attached. It can be tricky to remove the basal keiki without damaging one or both plants as you have to make a cut into the stem, which is the life source of phals and an open wound can lead them to infection. If the mother plant does get sick or is clearly suffering, you can separate them. If you have a keiki that’s attached to a flower spike, that’s a different matter. These do drain the resources of the mother plant as they need her resources to survive. We generally follow the rule of three with these type of keikis before detaching - the keiki needs to have three leaves and three roots of at least three inches long in order for it to thrive separately. This is a good Miss Orchid Girl video about basal keikis https://youtu.be/m7FpPYluu7w?si=a9aYm6Rc6UnsnGeP and this one is about how to remove keikis that grow on flower spikes https://youtu.be/WYGgAFeRSfs?si=cPaOl76MJhA3i4hD I find that my phal with the basal keiki has the same care needs and same watering requirements as all my other phals - I don’t do anything special for the keiki.
@MamaAuntCa Absolutely, propagating orchid keikis can be a fun and rewarding gardening adventure! Keiki Cozy Time….Wrap your keikis in a clear plastic bag, like they're having a cozy plant slumber party. Don't forget to leave a small window for them to peek out and get some fresh air! Light Ballet…..Place your orchid family in a spot with bright, indirect light. Imagine them doing a graceful ballet in the gentle glow, reaching for their spotlight. Water Waltz….Water your orchids with a sprinkle of water, just like a refreshing dance shower. Let them twirl in your care, but don't soak their dance floor! Propagating Keikis - The Orchid Separation Show: Keiki Debut…..Once your keikis have grown a little taller and sprouted roots, it's time for their big debut! Roll out the red carpet – sterilized scissors, please.
Keiki Planting Party…..Throw a planting party for your newly separated keiki. They get their own fancy pot filled with a mix of bark, moss, and perlite – the perfect dance floor!
Keiki Cheers…..Water your little stars and raise a toast to their independent journey. Keep them hydrated, and watch them shine as they grow into stunning orchids!…. needs. It's a delicate process, but with care, you can propagate and nurture your Phalaenopsis orchid keikis to maturity.
Keiki Planting Party…..Throw a planting party for your newly separated keiki. They get their own fancy pot filled with a mix of bark, moss, and perlite – the perfect dance floor!
Keiki Cheers…..Water your little stars and raise a toast to their independent journey. Keep them hydrated, and watch them shine as they grow into stunning orchids!…. needs. It's a delicate process, but with care, you can propagate and nurture your Phalaenopsis orchid keikis to maturity.