Is this normal?

[jspencer]

I`ve seen phaleos put out new pups from the base of the plant before. But I have never seen this. Is this something normal?

[kiwiorchids]

Its fine. This looks like it is going to be a nice healthy keikei! Infact i think it is more common for them to produce keikeis this way than produce them then from the base. What you can do, is to conserve the mothers strength for another flowering in the next few seasons, is cut it now before it gets too big. Otherwise, leave it until it has a few nice strong roots about 1inch long, and repot it. Good luck! and dont forget to feed up mum so she gets stronger!

[taiping orchid]

New shoots/leaves come out from the tip of flower spike is not normal. Could be caused by flower inducer , plant growth promoter or worst still genetical fault. It is better to use the normal type of fertilizer and follow the instruction written on the label..

[mujacko2002]

Congratulations!!!

[seetmei]

It's a keiki. You are so lucky.

[remo]

Dear Joe...occasionally a phal will produce a spike which is like this. This is not a keiki. A keiki is a miniature plantlet which will form roots and can then be removed from the mother. I have had many growths like this when I've used PGR's or plant growth stimulators. Strong chemicals which induce flowering, keiki production, and so on. These growths are not normal. Just enjoy what flowers you can get from it and when the time comes decide whether to cut the spike or not...I doubt very much that the growth will produce any roots.
Good luck! Remo

[jspencer]

I have only used Miracle Grow orchid fertilizer applied every 3-4 weeks. Other than that every plant gets a morning misting and thats it. They are out on my patio in 105 degree heat all the time. I have never used a growth stimulant so it must have been done at the growers. I got it about 2 months ago and it has been in bloom since but these are the last 2 flowers. I`m up to 30 orchids now. Does that mean I`m hooked? lol

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Probably a growth hormone from the grower that caused this if you only used miracle gro. Just cut off the spike when it is done blooming. I don't expect these leaves to get roots and unless you want leaves at the end of an old spike, just cut it off. And yes, you are hooked, Joe.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidlady]

Several of my Phal. equestris do this on a regular basis without any use of hormones particularly. I occaisionally use Superthrive in small doses. The keikis that I get like this have always grown roots eventually and formed normal plants. Can't see the flowers well, but looks like it could have equestris in the background.

Susan

[walingwaling]

nothing to worry about, my Phal equestris rosea does the same thing for the moment, flowers and keiki at the same time, all good!