How to Remove Phalaenopsis Plantlets
The lovely blossoms of Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, float above the leathery green leaves. Spectacular when in bloom, moth orchids are among the easiest orchids to grow for a beginning orchid enthusiast. They require bright, filtered light, 70 percent humidity, day temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees. Moth orchids occasionally produce plantlets, or keiki, on the spent flower spikes. Applying a keiki hormone paste to the flower spike encourages keiki growth. A keiki is easily removed from the parent plant, growing into a new orchid.
Snip off spent flower spikes after the blossoms have faded, 1 inch above the top node. Leave at least three nodes on the flower spike.
Apply a thin layer of keiki hormone paste to the nodes on the flower stem. The room temperature should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mist with water regularly to help maintain a high humidity around the orchid. Fertilize the orchid with a high-nitrogen orchid fertilizer while the keiki is developing.
Allow the keiki to develop for 14 to 26 weeks, until it has leaves and several 1- to 2-inch long roots.
Cut the flower spike 1 to 2 inches below the keiki with sharp scissors.
Place the keiki in a small flower pot, using bark medium to surround the roots. Water twice a week and fertilize with an orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength until the new orchid's leaves begin growing larger.
- A small fan circulates air amid your orchids, replicating their natural habitat high on a tree in a tropical rain forest.
- Keikis form naturally; the hormone paste only encourages keiki growth.
- A lumpy green mass may develop on the node. Normally these develop into several small keikis.
With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. She enthusiastically pursues creative and community interests, including gardening, home improvement and social issues.