Phalaenopsis Keikis and Aerial Roots: What They Mean and What to Do

Leaves on the Flower Spike? It's a Keiki

If your Phalaenopsis grows leaves midway up an old flower spike, it's producing a keiki (baby plant). This occurs in certain hybrids or when light is insufficient. Left alone, the keiki will develop roots and can be separated once roots reach 2+ inches.

Aerial Roots Are Normal—Don't Cut Them

Phalaenopsis evolved as epiphytes with roots that dangle in air, absorbing moisture and nutrients. Those "vine-like" roots are healthy aerial roots. They turn green when wet, silvery when dry. Never remove them—they're functional.

Annual Repotting: The Reset Button

Repot yearly after flowering to refresh medium and inspect roots.

Repotting Steps:

1. Soak fresh orchid mix 15+ minutes.
2. Unpot, rinse roots thoroughly.
3. Soak roots in lukewarm water 15 min (softens aerial roots).
4. Trim mushy roots only.
5. Gather ALL roots (aerial included) and "screw" them into a properly sized pot by rotating the plant as you lower it.
6. Fill with damp mix, tapping to settle. Crown just below rim.
7. Drain well; place in east window or under lights.

Feeding & Environment

Weak weekly fertilizer (¼ tsp/gal). Bright indirect light. Humidity 50%+. Stake old spikes if they bear keikis.

Bottom Line

Keikis and aerial roots are signs of a happy, mature Phalaenopsis. Manage them with informed repotting—not removal.