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Newbie question about growth on root

Discussion in 'Everything Else Orchid' started by annagrt, Mar 12, 2021.

  1. Mar 12, 2021 #1
    annagrt

    annagrt New Member

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    Hi all,

    I was recently given a Phalaenopsis orchid (I don't know any specifics about the variety) and it has a sort of leaf-looking structure at its base. It seems to be growing off a root... either that or it grew off the stem and is now growing its own roots, it's hard to tell. I've read about basal keikis but I haven't seen any photos that look like what this plant has. There is a very small leaf, and above that is a sort of hooded, modified leaf thing. Could someone tell me what this is? I wanted to repot the orchid so it could sit deeper in some growing medium but I don't want to cover up this growth.

    Thank you.
    IMG_2625.JPG IMG_2624.JPG
     
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  2. Mar 12, 2021 #2
    The Orchidomaniac

    The Orchidomaniac Active Member

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    My guess is that it's a keiki. It probably formed out of the stem. Detach it when it gets several inch-long roots and pot it up.
     
  3. Mar 12, 2021 #3
    Roberta

    Roberta Active Member

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    Location:
    Coastal southern California
    If it is truly coming from the base, my inclination would be to not remove it... depending on parentage, some Phals will form a clump with several basal growths, that are integral parts of the plant and likely to die if separated - but it can bloom from the separate growths, putting on a better show. Keikis that form on old flower spikes, that get significant free-hanging roots can be separated when the roots are big enough to sustain it. So a bit different approach.
     
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  4. Jun 23, 2021 #4
    Chalti

    Chalti Member

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    Location:
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    Just a note - when (if) planting the orchid deeper, do remove those dry remainings of leaves at the stem. From my experience, they form a pretty hard shield and the new roots are not able to breake through. Just very carefully with a pare of tweezers pull them off (maybe you will have to take it piece by piece), try not to damage the stem... it helped me with reviving my orchis, which was very much struggling to get new roots out through those dry leaf remainings.
     
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