Question
I cut the flowering stalks last year, and now find I have 3 flowering shoots on one stalk, and 2 on another.  However, where the shoots come out of the main stems, leaves and arial roots have also formed.  Do I just leave it, or can I cut these off to make other plants - if so how do I do this?  It is all very healthy, firm and shiny, with the arial roots just green at the tips.

Thank you for your help

Answer
Angela, These plantlets forming on the old flower spikes are called Keikis and are quite common on phalaenopsis orchids. They can be removed from the old flower spike and potted up in their own pot. The leaves and roots should be at least 3 inches long. A plantlet may be removed by grasping it at its base (being careful not to damage the plantlet's roots) and twist it where it joins the old flower spike.  Usually, this twisting motion is sufficient to cause separation. When you pot it up, be careful so as not to damage the plantlet roots which may be quite brittle.  You may want to soak the plantlet's roots before potting it up which should reduce the tendency to break. When you pot it up, use the smallest pot that will accept the roots without bending them too much.  Use a seedling size orchid potting mix. It should do well in a humid atmosphere until it adjusts to the new environment. After the adjustment period, you may water the pot weekly first thing in the morning and feed it lightly once every other week. These new plantlets do not require as much light as the parent plant until they are well established.