Question

Mystery orchid   QUESTION: Hi:
I'm trying to find out what to do with what it appears to be a new orchid growth, about 2 leaves and a tiny root spike that is growing out of the old flower spike.  It's right at the top of the spike and if it gets any bigger without me doing something about it, it will top over the whole orchid.  
Please let me know if I should cut it and try to plant it or what else do you suggest.  
Thank you very much!

P.S. Please see the pic attached.

Yaga
New Jersey

ANSWER: Yaga, this is called a keiki and, as long as it has roots, you can remove it and pot it up in a separate pot.  It is a clone of the parent plant and, when it flowers, the flowers will look like those on the parent plant.  Two ways to remove it:  you may try to genetly twist it where it is attached to the flower spike-- being careful not to damage the root. Another method is to cut it from the flower spike just below where it joins the flower spike. If you wish, you can let it grow larger bewfore removing it.  In this latter case, you may want to support the flower spike to which it is attached, using a bamboo stake and typing or clamping the flower spike to the it.  The more leaves and roots the plantley has before removal and potting, the better the chancea for its survival.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your advice!

Is having a keiki a common thing?  I have orchids for about 10 years and had never had that happen before.

Answer
Having a keiki is somewhat dependent upon genetics.  Some species that are used in creating hybrids are more likely to influence keiki formation than others.  Of course, environmental factors also play a role. For example,  low light conditions may cause keiki formation in some hybrids because the lower light conditions may inhibit flower formation.