Expert: Wayne King - 10/13/2009

Question
I have a white phalaenopsis orchid which has now produced two keiki, both have considerable root development, one has bigger leaves than the other.  I would like to pot them up to make new plants, but each one is now sending up a flower spike of its own!  Should I wait until they finish flowering? Also, is this a bad time of year to remove them?  I don't want to sap the strength of the mother plant by leaving them on too long and would appreciate your advice.

Answer
Catherine, to reduce the stress level on the mother plant, I recommend removing either one or both keikis. When you repot, be careful not to damage the roots and use moist potting mix to lessen the shock the keiki would receive upon separation from its source of nourishment.