Question
QUESTION: Hello again,
I also have another phalanopsis orchid I have had for years and after its last bloom, it has started to grow green leaves at the top where the old blooms once were.
SHould I leave those there to grow at the top of the plant and is this a normal occurance?
Thank you so very much
amanda

ANSWER: Amanda, some phalaenopsis orchids retain a green flower spike long after flowering.  These can develop new plants at one or more nodes (ie joints) on the flower spike. These plants usually begin with the appearance of leaves, followed by the development of roots, and, if left on the flower spike long enough, can even develop their own flower spike. These are known as keikis and they can be removed from the flower spike when leaves and roots are at least two to three inches long.  They can be potted up separately from the mother plant.  Assuming your plant is a strong plant, it is not unusual for the plant to support both one or more keikis and a new flower spike.  Mother plants with 4 or fewer leaves should not be permitted to both flower and grow keikis as this saps a lot of the plant's energy that is needed to produce new leaves and roots.

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QUESTION: Wayne,
Thank you for your answer to the above question and I have one more.
Where will the roots grow at the keikis? It only has small leaves now and no roots. Will the roots
hang and grow down toward the soil?
amanda

Answer
The roots on keikis grow at the base of the keiki's leaves.  Usually the leaves are first to develop and roots may not appear until the leaves are well developed.  The roots will grow downward from the base of the keiki-- but sometimes they will at first grow outward.