Phalaenopsis 'Sprout' with a Leaf? It's a Keiki on a Spike

You see a slender stalk with a leaf at the end—not a root, not a typical spike. What is it?

It's a Keiki (Baby Plant)

Flower spikes contain meristematic tissue at every node. Sometimes, instead of (or before) branching into a flower spike, a node produces a keiki—a complete miniature plant with leaves and, eventually, roots.

Why This Happens

• Genetics (some hybrids keiki readily)
• Stress response (plant "backs up" its genetics)
• Hormonal signals at the node

What to Do

1. Leave it on the mother plant.
2. Wait for roots—2+ roots, 2+ inches long, green tips.
3. Then separate with a sterile cut, pot in seedling mix.

Key Fact: Roots Can't Make Leaves

Roots lack meristematic tissue—they can only make more roots. A growth producing a leaf must be spike/keiki tissue.

Enjoy the bonus plant! It's a genetic clone—same flowers as mom.