Question
I have a phalaenopsis orchid and there's a baby plant growing from the stem that I cut back after it was done flowering. How do I treat this tiny plant? Do I cut it and put in in some potting medium? It has four leaves and two healthy roots. Thanks so much.

Answer
Hello Nancy,

If the baby plantlet has roots over 2 inches long, you may remove it and put it in a little pot of its own.  To remove it, hold the baby with one hand and the stem with the other then slowly twist and put them apart.  If the baby does not break away easily, you can cut the connection (sort of like cutting the umbilical cord of a new born baby).  

Since it is a baby, use a pot that is about 3 inches in diameter along with some medium grade orchid potting mix.  Place a little mix in the pot then place the baby in until the leaves are even with the pot rim then fill the pot with more mix.  When finished, the baby should be about in the center of the pot.  Water it then place it next to the mother plant.  

Hope this has helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.