Question
Hi
My orchid has had a keiki on it for at least 9 months and it still has no roots. It is well developed with 3 leaves. The mother is also healthy and has sent up two flower spikes since the keiki appeared. The problem is the buds die on the spike before they open and I am worried the keiki is drawing too much energy from the mother. Also, there is a spike coming from the keiki (it has no buds and has been there for a couple months). Should I cut the spike coming off the keiki? What should I do with the rootless keiki?
Thank you,
Aimee

Answer
The plant is in flowering mode and the hormones present at this time are promoting flower formation and not root formation.  I would remove the flower spike and move the plant to an area with a little less light. You might check at your local garden center to see if they have any rooting hormone powder.  You could try putting that in a petroleum jelly as a paste and smear it at the base of the keiki.