---
title: "Hi everyone! I’m wondering if I can get some advice on when to detach…"
description: "Hi everyone! I’m wondering if I can get some advice on when to detach a keiki from the mother plant. It’s only got one small root about 1 inch but so many…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/659d72ff78eb9537a86cd4db"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Holly"
published: "2024-01-09T16:23:27.287Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OvGfsYNzvPKSvzjmB07-XFKohuEITYZbx-ZONFbCQ1c/287cd8b3269c41e2be882a0be518a666.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi everyone! I’m wondering if I can get some advice on when to detach…

_Posted by Holly on 2024-01-09_

Hi everyone! I’m wondering if I can get some advice on when to detach a keiki from the mother plant. It’s only got one small root about 1 inch but so many leaves (3 plus two more starting)! It was my grandmother’s phal before she passed and I really don’t want to hurt it before giving the mother plant back to my grandfather.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OvGfsYNzvPKSvzjmB07-XFKohuEITYZbx-ZONFbCQ1c/287cd8b3269c41e2be882a0be518a666.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### MeasomerPi commented on 2024-01-09

I detach when keik’s leaves are at least 2” and roots that are 2”.

#### Jen replied on 2024-01-09

You won’t hurt the mother plant by removing the keiki since it’s on the flower spike. But I would definitely give it a little more time to develop if you want it to survive. Optimally, I would want at least one more root, and I agree with Pi that 2” roots are more likely to be able to support the baby.

#### Holly replied on 2024-01-10

Thanks for the advice! I wasn’t sure whether the size of roots or leaves were more important for survival of the keiki vs mama, etc. since these leaves are >3”!

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