Separating a Basal Keiki from a Mature Phalaenopsis

Barbara shared a photo of a new shoot emerging from the base of her 12-year-old Phalaenopsis and asked how to detach it without harming the mother plant. The expert confirmed that since the new growth (a basal keiki) had its own root system, it could be severed from the parent and potted separately.

Key tips: soak the keiki's roots thoroughly until green to prevent brittleness and breakage during handling. The mother plant won't be harmed as it retains its own root system. The expert also suggested potting some of the mother plant's aerial roots into the mix during repotting for better stability and hydration.