I have very few Phals in my collection , so I know very little about them. Do Phals make new growths like Paphs and Phrags? My Phal leuddemanniana has produced a new growth that looks like a new growth on a Paph/Phrag, is that normal? I thought they only produced keikis. Thanks!

I have very few Phals in my collection , so I know very little about them. Do Phals make new growths like Paphs and Phrags? My Phal leuddemanniana has produced a new growth that looks like a new growth on a Paph/Phrag, is that normal? I thought they only produced keikis. Thanks!

some species are more prone to producing basal keikies.

it could be a keikies or maybe a infloresence?? do you have a pic

It is definitely a basal keiki. I'll post a pic later. Thanks for the replies!

I have seen several specie plants produce keikis right on top of the new plant not on the old flower spike. It looks like a new growth, similar to a paph and it will grow good roots, etc...Now you will have 2 of em.

Now you will have 2 of em.

Good, 'cause I want one! *grin*

Actually now come to think of it, my schilleriana did the same exact thing a year ago. Yes, Heather, I'll send you a leudd div/keiki when the time comes. :lol:

Actually now come to think of it, my schilleriana did the same exact thing a year ago. Yes, Heather, I'll send you a leudd div/keiki when the time comes. :lol:

oooh! Goody!

On Peter Lin's discussion group, there's a topic right now just on this topic with the same species. (Not sure they are talking about basal keikis, but the question was how to prevent keikis on this species since it's only putting out keikis rather than flower spikes)

You can see it here

http://www.bigleaforchids.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1084

from my experiance with phals, I know they tend to produce basal growths when they are unhappy. this is some sort of last survival trial for them. I gave two healthy phals to my parents two years ago. few months later they grew basal keikis (and didn't look too good) and few more months later died.
I hope that's not the situation with your phal.
good luck!
amber

Nope, it is actually doing quite well and the spikes are now beginning to bud with lots of new fat roots. Thanks! :D

Basal keikis seem to be common for some of the dwarf deciduous/semi deciduous species like parishii. I think it may be pretty normal for Doritus species too, and Doritus is a common parent in allot of phal hybrids. Other wise I rarely see them, and usually on beat up plants.

Keikis are unusual on the Phals i grow.............however a keiki has appeared since i went semi-hydro with them.

My Phal heiroglyphica is producing 2 basal keikes & the main growth is leafing as well.
Mine is in s/h as well , just have to see if it spikes.

I have a few plants with basal Kieki's and they are very healthy usually both plants have spiked together. makes for a nice display. Ray