Question
i just got a baby off a phal. it is tiny.  i work pt at a flower shop and one of the
girls cut a spike and threw it out.  it had a tiny baby plant on it only about 1/2-
3/4 inch long i fished it out right away and just have the stem in water..  any
chance of saving it.  i have a handful of orchids and have had good luck..it is just
a stater hobbie for me..thoughts?

Answer
Hello Aja,

Does the baby phalaenopsis plant have any roots, even tiny ones?  If it does, there is a slight possibility to grow it to maturity.  If there are not any signs of roots the chances are slim to none I'm afraid.  At any rate, if you want to give saving it a try, here are some things you can try.  

When you put the stem in water, did you cut off about an inch from the bottom of the stem so it will draw water upwards to keep the baby alive and well?  Keep it in water for a while until you have a very small pot and potting mix.  Fill the pot with mix then put the baby in the center, making sure it stands up.  Place it in a warm shady location with temperatures above 60F and humidity above 50%.  Water it sparingly, only enough to keep the potting mix barely moist.  Hopefully, all of this will encourge roots to grow.  If the tiny leaves grow larger in the next few months, that could be an indication that it has grown roots and may live a full and healthy life.  After about 6 months, try unpotting it to check on the roots and if they are okay, repot it back into the small pot.  If it survives beyond a year, get the next size larger pot and repot it into that.  

Hopefully, all goes well and you will see your baby growt to maturity and reward you with flowers!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.