Moth orchid

[Christopher]

Hi I have a Moth orchid but the mother plant is not looking to well, and a baby crown coming up next to the mother plant.
My question is what to do with the mother plant once the baby crown is bigger, so do I cut the mother off at the base of the plant or do I take it out of the pot and seperate the two.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

Don't cut anything. When a Phalaenopsis loses the crown (the main growing point) if you're fortunate, it will produce a new growth near the base. That new basal growth shares a root system with the mother plant, so if you try to separate them you are likely to kill both. Over time, the original plant will probably die back, but for now it's nourishing the baby. Let Mother Nature do what she is doing... giving the plant a chance to susvive.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Roberta

First, Welcome!

Don't cut anything. When a Phalaenopsis loses the crown (the main growing point) if you're fortunate, it will produce a new growth near the base. That new basal growth shares a root system with the mother plant, so if you try to separate them you are likely to kill both. Over time, the original plant will probably die back, but for now it's nourishing the baby. Let Mother Nature do what she is doing... giving the plant a chance to susvive.

Thank you , the baby orchid is under the bottom leaf of the mother plant. Can I removed the leaf so the baby crown is not hitting the overhead leaf.

[Roberta]

Let the plant figure it out. Remember, leaves are where photosynthesis happens, that is the source of the energy the plant needs. So you need to preserve those healthy leaves. The new growth will very likely turn itself to avoid bumping into the leaf. Just observe... you'll learn a lot. Orchids grow slowly, so patience!! Progress is measured in months not days.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Let the plant figure it out. Remember, leaves are where photosynthesis happens, that is the source of the energy the plant needs. So you need to preserve those healthy leaves. The new growth will very likely turn itself to avoid bumping into the leaf. Just observe... you'll learn a lot. Orchids grow slowly, so patience!! Progress is measured in months not days.

Very helpful advice from you, and many thanks .
If I have any problems with the baby ochid, I will let you know.