Personally I would let them grow it does make for a great display once matured.
Welcome to OrchidTalk Orchid Forums
The Friendliest Orchid Community on the Internet!
OrchidTalk - "Bringing People Together to Grow Orchids Better!"
Let us help you grow your Orchids better; Join our community today.
YES! I want to register an account for free right now!
Register or Login now to remove this advertisement.
Good morning, question, my first goal is for blooms, my second goal is speciimen sized plants. I have a few Epidendrums and a Barkeria forming keikis, in view of my goals would it be better to leave them attached or snip them off and start a new plant.
Personally I would let them grow it does make for a great display once matured.
Keikis are just part of the normal growth habit of many Epidendrums and Barkerias. Constantly removing them is counter-productive both for maximum bloom potential and attaining specimen size. If you are more concerned about having a plant that is neat and tidy but not really the natural growth habit, sort of an orchid bonsai, remove all the keikis you want.
Here's an example of my epidendrum with keikis all over it. It has spread over eight feet. I know it's hard to see but there's spikes sticking up all along. I've even drug the pot around the yard and deposited pieces that are spreading as well. If I removed the keikis and potted them, I'd have an epidendrum farm which I just don't have the room for. Happy growing!