Separation of new growth.
 

Hello all,
I'm new to the orchid world, and to this forum. I've looked, but I can't find any threads that deal with the issue I'm dealing with. Maybe there is one, and I just don't know the correct terminology to look for. I inherited a (I think) miltoniopsis that was neglected for at least a year. Since I started taking care of it, it has sprouted leaves above where the flowers were. Along with thsee leaves there is a green sprout that looks like another flower spike, but is it possible that it's a root? How would I know? My other question is, if it is a root can I clip it off and start another plant? Thanks in advance for all your help.

Please post 4 more throwaway posts and then post some pics.

Yes, just make a few comments on other threads and then you will be able to post pictures. It will help with identification of the plant and also of the growth you describe.

Ok, thanks

You can try adding a photo anyway (just make sure it's not too large). A lot of people say there's a 5 post minimum before being able to post photos, but I've seen brand new members post photos before.... Not quite sure what the forum settings are!

Don't clip roots off of a plant. You can't start a new plant that way, and it weakens the plant that you removed the root from.

I guess it'll be easier to understand what I'm talking about when I able to post pics. I wasn't going to cut any roots. The original plant has a stalk that comes from the base, which in turn the flower stem came from. That stalk continued passed that, and new leaves have formed. From the second leaves a piece has started to grow, and it looks like a root. My question was if I could cut the "stalk" below the new, or upper most leaves that have formed to start a second plant.

I understand what you are saying, but have a hard time visualizing what's happening since you say it's a Miltionopsis. If it was a Phal, I'd guess it was a keiki growing off a node on a spike, which is common. But Miltionopsis (and Oncidiums in general) don't do that. Spikes just yellow and die, and any new growth comes from the base. Occasionally there will be a weird growth on top of a pseudobulb that looks like it could be a new plant.

Photos are really necessary to understand what's ahppening. If you still can't add photos via the forum, you can also try this: ImgBB — Upload Image — Free Image Hosting
Simply upload a photo, then paste the bbcode it gives you into your post.

Thanks! I really don't know what it is. I inherited it, and really know nothing about it even down to what color the flowers are. It was in pretty rough shape when I got it, it has really bounced back. I'll post pics when I get home. Thanks for your understanding, and help.

Photos are the best method of description right now. Particularly if it is unclear what the terms are to describe the anatomy of the plant and you’re not even sure what kind of orchid you have.

Library Slideshow by runwayman134 | Photobucket Hopefully this helps

The orchid you have is some sort of Phalaenopsis. From the way it is potted and tagged, it seems that it is highly likely it is some sort of unnamed Phalaenopsis hybrid.

The part of the plant you were asking about is a keiki, (baby orchid produced through asexual reproduction). It is growing on the plant's inflorescence. There is a root growing out of the base of the keiki. The root is the shiny white part with the green tip.

Keep the growing root on the keiki hydrated.

I think it is best to wait just a little longer until the root on the keiki grows longer and when the keiki produces more roots. You can eventually peel the keiki off the inflorescence without much effort or any worry of damaging anything.

You may also remove the keiki by cutting the inflorescence with a pair of sterilized cutters.

Whatever you choose, it is up to you.

Thank you

Now everything makes sense with the photos! So it is a Phal. Congrats on the baby plant! :)

Usually the rule of thumb is to wait until there is a total of 3-4 inches of roots (can be 1 4 inch roots, or 2 inch roots...) When it's ready, you can remove it by cutting the spike just above and under where the keiki is connected, or twist it off. I personally find it easier to cut, since I then remove the spike anyway.

Then pot it up in the smallest pot it will comfortably fit in, you may have to improvise something. For instance, in the past I've used a small plastic water bottle, cut it down to the right height, and then used small sharp scissors to cut drainage holes.

This reminds me that I have some keikis of my own to remove and pot up, I keep forgetting about them!

It also looks as though you need to bump up your watering.

Where do you see that? :scratchhead: In the photos the plant (and keiki) looks happy and healthy to me...

I water out once a week, and has thrived every since. It had two leaves on it when I got it, and in about six months of the once a week watering it has grown all those new leaves.

It looks healthy but a little limp.

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 AM ----------

If it's working for you, don't "fix" it. I'm simply used to more turgid leaves.

I have a few Phals that seem to have naturally floppy leaves like this. If the spike that the kieki is growing on is flexible, you can pot up the baby without cutting the spike, and let it get established before separating it. It's so much fun when rescues bounce back!

Thanks everyone for your advise