Question
Hello - I have a Phalaenopsis that has about 4 sets of leaves growing from what was two stems that had flowers on it in the past - I think some are even starting to grow roots.  Are these considered 'babies' of the starting plant and if so, how could I encourage them to grow more roots so I could separate them into their own plants?  When is it okay to separate them.  Also, can I repot the starting plant while these babies are growing as it really needs it?

Answer
Hello Lana,

What you have is a keiki or baby phalaenopsis plant growing on the stem.  Leave them on the stem until they have roots over 2 inches long then you can remove them by gently twisting and pulling until the break off then put them in a pot of their own.  If they are starting to grow roots, just be patient a while longer, it may take another month or two for the roots to grow long enough to separate them from the stem.  

By the way, I once saw a phalaenopsis that had a flower stem on both the mother and keiki at the same time.  The keiki had not grown any roots so the owner left it on the stem.  The keiki grew roots shortly after the flowers fell off and now it is happily growing in its own pot.  

Yes, you can repot the mother phal. now, just be mindful of the keikis on the stem.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.