QuestionI heard that these leaves growing out of the spike are not always a good thing. Can you elaborate? Is there something potentially wrong with the mother plant?
AnswerRobert, the phenomenon you are referring to is normal. Phalaenopsis orchids in particular have a tendency to produce keikis which are clones of the mother plant. The joints on the flower spike are called nodes and new plants can arise from these nodes. If left on the old flower spike long enough, the keiki will not only develop leaves but also roots. Some keikis have been known to also produce flower spikes and flower when they get large enough. When their leaves are 2-3 inches long and they have several roots, they can be removed from the mother plant's flower spike and potted up on their own. Separation can be achieved by carefully twisting the point where keiki joins the old flower spike. It may take several attempts to break the keiki free. Be careful not to damage the roots of the keiki.
