Question
I have a large plantlet with several aerial roots on my denbrobium.  I have found on the Internet that I should cut the plantlet off and pot it.  However, how can I remove the plantlet without damaging the rest of the plant?  Is this correct that I should cut the plantlet off?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Beverly,

Yes, what you heard is correct.  But before you remove the plantlet (called a keiki which is baby in Hawaiian), gather your potting supplies (pot, orchid potting media).

Removing the keiki is fairly simple and easy, hold the mother plant in one hand and the keiki with the other hand.  Gently twist the keiki from side to side while also gently pulling it away.  Once there is a little separation between them, you can cut the keiki off with a scissor or knife.  Treat the break wound with a little powdered cinnamon and allow it to air heal for about 4 hours then put it in a small pot with media.  Water it then place it in a warm shady place for a couple of weeks then put it next to the mother.  That's about it.  

The mother plant should be fine, in fact she will probably be happy to see her keiki growing on its own.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.