Question
I have had a Vanda orchid for several years and each year it blooms.  This year, however, not only did it bloom but I have what appears to be a new plant growing out of one of the stems.  It has several white roots and a sprout of leaves ( still rolled up) growing.  What is your best guess and if it is a new orchid what should I do with it.

Answer
Susan, it is one of the characteritics of vandaceous orchids to produce new vegetative growths from various nodes or growth points. They are called Keikis and are similar in nature to those formed on phalaenopsis orchids which are a close kin.  It is genetically identical to the mother plant. What you do with the keiki is a matter of choice. If you wish to separate it off and grow it as a separate plant I would wait until the leaves are at least 3 inches long and there is active root growth.  I have a vanda that is over 20 years old and most of the keikis have been left to grow on the plant.  It produces a speciman plant and has had as many as 125 flowers at one time.  Needless to say, to grow such a plant requires a greenhuse with quite a bit of space, or, if you live in a warmer climate, growing it outside in a protected location.  If you choose to separate it from the mother plant, the larger it grows before separation the better, but perform the separation while it is in active growth.  It can be separated by simply cutting it from the mother plant where they are joined.  Be careful not to damage the Keiki's roots when removing it or potting it. You likely will have additional keikis with each growing season.