Question
QUESTION: I have 3 baby plants with roots and leaves growing on the stems of a large orchid. I'd be very grateful for advice on how to cut them off and pot them up. Will the 'mother' orchid survive this operation?

ANSWER: Hello Jennifer,

Removing baby orchid plants (commonly called keikis which is Hawaiian for baby) is fairly simple and easy to do.  The main thing is that keikis have some leaves and roots that are over 2 inches long.  Once the roots are long enough, hold the keiki and the stem then gently twist the keiki several times until it breaks off the stem and if it doesn't come off easily, cut it off.  But, before doing this, have potting supplies ready to put them into small pots of their own.  After removing the keikis you can remove the stem by cutting it off the mother orchid plant.  As for pot size, try to use the smallest pot that can hold the roots with some potting media, using a pot size too large for the roots can lead to root rot.  To pot them, place a little media in the pot then lower the roots until the bottom of the keiki is level with the pot rim then fill the pot with media.  That's about it other than watering and feeding the keikis along with their mother.  Keep in mind that the keikis may or may not need to be watered on the same schedule as their mom.  

The mother orchid will be fine and, in fact, will be relieved from having to care for and feed those keikis.  (grin)  

Hope this helps.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.



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

QUESTION: Thanks Jim.
Do I need to wait until each keiki has several roots? At the moment they have just one root each, all measuring at least 2 inches. Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

It would be better if there were 2 or more roots but you can remove and pot them up with only one root.  Keep in mind that it is best to choose the pot size by the number and size of roots rather than size of the plant.  So, look for a pot that is between 2 to 3 inches in diameter.  As the orchid grows along with more new roots, it is fairly easy to repot up into the next size larger pot.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.