Do I remove Dend keikis?

[nutgirl]

This is a rescue noid dend (phal type I think). I've had it for a couple of years and it is now blooming. It is also growing keikis on a couple of the old canes.

Is this a normal thing for this plant? Does that mean there's something wrong with the parent plant? Is it being stressed in some way?

Maureen

[nutgirl]

Sorry about that, I forgot my other question.

If this plant is OK, do I have to remove the keikis or can I just let them grow and make more spots for blooms to develop? Will I end up with a Godzilla Dend if I do this?

Maureen

[trdyl]

Maureen,

Great job on your rescue of the Phal-type Dendro. It looks health and happy. If it where my plant I would remove them when they have when they have sufficient roots to hold thier own. But I really don't see the any keikis. The only thing I do see are a couple of new pseudobulbs forming at the base of the plant.

[Orchid126]

I'm not seeing any keikis growing on either cane. I am, however, seeing basal keikis growing up from the base of the canes. If this is a correct observation, then these keikis will eventually become new canes and should not be removed.

[nutgirl]

Yes, there are two keikis at the base of two of the old canes. (Sorry Ted, my photos are not real clear)

Thanks '126, that's what I wondered.

So keikies are not necessarily a sign of problems with the plant?

Maureen

[RosieC]

It is quite normal for Dendrobiums to put out new canes from the base. They are not usually refered to as keikis because they are really part of the main plant.

This is part of the symbodial nature of Dendrobiums, unlike the monopodial orchids like Phals, the tend to start new canes every year when healthy.

[orchidsamore]

Just a correction in that you seem to think that true keiki are a sign of something being wrong with the plant.

It is not a sign of problems and is fairly common.

If you had true keiki you could remove them but it is not necessary and keiki can be left on the parent plant. I would suggest keeping them or removing them depending on what you think 'looks' better. The plant will do fine.

[nutgirl]

Thank you to all. Upon closer inspection I see what's going on. There are 2 new pseudobulbs forming at the base of 2 canes (you were right, Ted). There is also a basel keiki (small with little roots) on another cane at the back of the plant, up against the board.

Thank you Jerry, I think I'll leave it on the plant.

I really like this orchid, it's pretty and it has a lovely fragrance in the late afternoon.


Maureen

[Sandy4453]

Dendrobium keikis are not the same as new growth that begins from the base of the latest, newer canes. That is typically how Dends. evolve, with new growth each season. Keikis will usually grow on the older canes and usually, further up on the canes. It can sometimes be caused by a plant that's been stressed but not necessarily the only reason. It's typical to find keikis on healthy Dends. with no issues also. Keeping them on will not stunt the growth of the main plant. They're easy enough to remove and if you choose to, they can be potted and expected to grow into full sized plants, producing canes during their growth cycles, all independent from the main plant...unlike new canes that grow in succession off the latest growth on the main plants.

[johnblagg]

LOL I have had mature plants with keikis almost as large as they are still on them and blooming with roots all the way down to the pot and growing right into the medium.

In fact I just took a keiki off one plant that was spiking and put it straight into s/h.IT hasent lost a root and the spke just kept right on growing.It is opening its first bloom tonight in fact....whoot my first bloom of the fall winter season.