Update on Phal Keiki - Orchid Board

Amanda L · #1 02-14-2009, 03:33 PM

I just wanted to post an update on my phal keiki. This is the phal that I lost to crown rot, but refused to throw away, until all hope of getting a keiki was lost!!! Well, maybe 2 months ago, a little nubby started to grow on the the base of the crown, I was going to be very peeved if it was a root, considering this plant was not going to make it, no matter what!! I gave it some time and watched it, it started to get a darker green color and then started to form tiny little leaves. I mist the mother plants roots (what's left of them) daily and make sure to blow off any water that gets on the baby, usually a lot, considering where it's located. It doing fantastic, getting bigger every week!! I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself!!!

camille1585 · #2 02-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Woohoo!! I can completely understand your excitement!

Keep up what your doing, the plant obviously likes it very much!

Amanda L · #3 02-14-2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks Camille!! I will definitely not change what I've been doing, no reason to "fix" the process if it's not broken! I can't wait for it to get some roots, anyone know how long that will take? Then blooms!!! Man Oh Man, I can't believe I actually get to have this plant live on!!! I'm already planning a thread for when/if it blooms. It will start with the original plant, then the nubby, then the growing keiki, it will be the life process! Okay, I'm really too excited about this!!

cabbo · #4 02-14-2009, 04:16 PM

Hey, I get excited just seeing them all still alive every morning!

Amanda L · #5 02-14-2009, 04:22 PM

Cabbo, that's definitely a reason for excitement!! I just about do cartwheels when there is new growth!!

lostonthebeach · #6 02-14-2009, 04:44 PM

Hard work and lots of patience equals a great save.

Ethan · #7 02-14-2009, 04:52 PM

Congrats, Amanda. I'm so excited for you!

As far as root time, it all depends, I think. I've had three basal phal kei-ki's so far all of which developed last summer. Two of them started growing new roots right away. One of them has grown only two leaves and sent up a flower spike a couple months ago and is ALREADY getting ready to bloom!!

The third one that has been growing since last summer, JUST started getting little roots developing the other day...I thought it was NEVER going to happen.

I can't wait to see what yours does!

Amanda L · #8 02-14-2009, 08:08 PM

Thanks everyone for sharing my excitement!! I will definitely keep everyone here updated on the progress of this little one!! I saw a Phal today that has the same coloring as this had and it made even more anxious to see it bloom! It's going to be white with deep purple splotches.

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #9 02-14-2009, 08:29 PM

nice job! I know I'd be pretty thrilled too, so I understand. It just goes to show... don't throw a 'chid away until it's been good and dead for a darn long time!

RosieC · #10 02-15-2009, 08:47 AM

Congratulations Amanda, it's so exciting to see the little Keiki growing. All being well you will have a loverly new plant to replace the old one.

I agree with Nichole, I have a sick one which I refuse to throw away and it's still hanging on just now.