Leaves Growing on Phalaenopsis Spike: Keiki Basics

Those Are Keikis!

Leaves emerging from nodes (joints) on the flower spike are keikis (baby plants)—clones of the parent.

When to Remove

• Wait until keiki has roots (2-3 cm) and several leaves.
• Larger keikis survive transplant shock better.
• Remove by twisting or cutting at attachment point.
• Pot in fine orchid mix; maintain high humidity initially.

If left attached, some keikis grow large enough to bloom on the mother's spike.