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Well what I initially thought was a new flower stalk from my orchid flowering spike turns out to be a tiny little leaf. It's about 1cm big at the minute - it's so cute actually. So it looks like I'm getting a keiki. I know it's a long long way off being ready to be detatched, I'm just wondering does the orchid need any extra care whilse the keiki is growing?
If anyone had any keiki care info for when it does get big enough please feel free to say...
This is a warm growing orchid and needs temperatures of at least 15C (60F) during the winter and can be allowed to rise up to 28C (82F) during the summer - 20C - 22C being the optimum.
Phalaenopsis make excellent house plants and will thrive in a centrally heated house providing some basic care is given. Simple misting with clean water several times a week during the summer or standing the plant pot on a large plate of wet pebbles will provide adequate humidity. The best time to spray the plants is mid morning as this will allow the water to evaporate before night time. You should NOT allow water to rest in the centre of the plant overnight or rot may occur with lighting speed! - and we are talking OVERNIGHT in some cases if it's cold too. Phalaenopsis like good light but not direct full sun as they will scorch, they will also tolerate some shade during the growing season. Keep them in a well lit position during the winter months but again, not in direct full sun. Phalaenopsis do actually like plenty of water but they don't like sitting in damp situations so a very open mixture of compost of required to grow them successfully. Water these plants once every 10 - 14 days during the winter months (depending on temperature, warmer - more often, cooler less often) and weekly or more during the summer.
Hope that helps a little :)
