Removing a Mature Phalaenopsis Keiki: 12-Inch Roots, 7 Months Attached, 3 Blooms

Question:

My orchid had a baby on the stem. I left it—now 7 months later it has 3 stems, just bloomed 3rd time, roots ~1 foot long. If I remove now, will I kill it? How to replant—put all roots in mix?

Answer:

Hello Sabrina,

Better to remove when roots were 2 inches, but you can still try. Get small orchid media bag and ~4" pot. Remove by holding stem and baby, rocking with a twist—should separate in 4–6 twists; if not, cut with shears. Soak long roots in lukewarm water 30 minutes to ease handling. Place media in pot, lower roots until bottom growth at rim, fill pot. Twist/turn while lowering to settle roots.

Assuming Phalaenopsis. Water, place in warm shade for weeks, then move to mother's location.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA