I'm having Phal Issues

[Diane]

Take a look at the photo. Notice that two leaves are emerging at once. Never had it do that before. Excuse the slant towards the light, but it also has a spike initiated so I am not rotating it.

[OrchidTraci]

That issue is called a Keiki-- the Hawaiian name for baby. It is a baby plant. Is the phalaenopsis a species or hybrid?

It is strange that it is coming out of the top, hopefully not a sign of the "Kiss of Death". (There is a thread about the kiss of death, do a search).

[Diane]

I have never heard of a keiki coming out of the top. That's what i was afraid it was. I hope I can nurture it along.

[paphman910]

Hi Diane:
I have seen that happen on a Phal Brother Sara Gold with two flower spike. Not sure what caused it.

Paphman

[LJA]

No worries, Diane. These guys'll do things that defy expectations, but as long as the plant looks healthy (and it does), just go with it. The spike isn't coming out of the crown, so plant will be just fine.

[Lore]

Very interesting, and exciting too. I hope you share more photos of it the further it grows!

[Diane]

The plant seems to be doing fine. The flower spike is now about twice as big, and as you can see the strange leaf formation is also growing, now either 2 leaves in a sheath or 3 leaves...

[Diane]

Forgot to ask - does everyone still think that's a keiki coming out the top?