Keiki with long spike?

[KPinNC]

So I have a phal with a healthy looking Keiki on it (3rd leaf developing). I read somewhere that the mother was unlikely to bloom with a Keiki, but mine is growing new blooms now. What is odd, the Keiki is growing a huge spike itself. Is that normal?

The two roots on the keiki are about an inch long and have recently turned white. This Keiki is only ~4-5 months old. Is it ready to be on its own? How often should I fertilize?

Thanks in advance.

KP

[escualida]

Yes I think this is normal, I think the rule of thumb is to wait for the roots to be a total of 3 inches before taking it off of the mother. I don't think it will hurt either plant if you leave it on and wait for another inch of roots to grow.

[bballr4567]

It happens. There was a member who posted up an orchid that had 3 keikis along with the mother plant all in bloom.

I'd leave it until after flowering though as its likely drawing quite a bit of help from the mother plant and would abort the spike if you separate.