Question
QUESTION: If I put an aerial root into a pot of compost will it create a new plant that can later detatched from the original plqant.

ANSWER: Brian, orchid roots contain no meristematic tissue needed for new growth.  The only way you can produce a new plant is by producing a keiki (small plant)at a node (joint) on an old, green flower spike.

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

QUESTION: Will you please describe how I make keiki.

thank you

brian

Answer
Brian, this requires the type of phalaenopsis that produces a flower spike that remains green after flowering (many phals lose their flower spike after flowering). The first step is to cut off the flower spike just above the second or third node (ie joint) in the flower spike.  Then move the plant to a dark room for a week or two.  If, after two weeks, you see no signs of keiki formation, you may need to purchase a small vial of keiki paste.  The paste contains hormones that can induce keiki formation.  The node of the flower spike is covered by a small sheath which must be carefully removed.  The paste should be applied to the node following sheath removal.  Then, the plant is placed into a dark room for a week or two to stimulate keiki formation.  You could google "node paste" to find out where you can order it.