Question
Greetings!  We have a  phalaenopsis that has started to grow roots
very high on a branch.  In fact it appears to be a new plant coming
off.  The roots are about 1/4 inch and the "new plant" about 1.5
inches.  Can we take this "new plant" off and plant it?  How big
should it be before we take it from it's Mom?  We are very new to
orchids and have been reading everything we can find on these
wonderful and beautiful plants.  Any help for a newbie would be
greatly appreciated

Answer
Hello Robert,

That's great that your phalaenopsis orchid is producing a baby (called keiki which is Hawaiian for baby).

Leave the keiki on the mother phal until it has several roots that are over 2 inches long. Have a small pot with some orchid mix ready then gently twist the keiki off and pot it in the pot. It would be a good idea to dust the break area with powdered cinnamon (yes the one you bake with) as it has some anti- fungal and bacterial properties. Care for the keiki along side its mom.  It may take 2 years for the keiki to produce blooms so be patient.  

Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.