---
title: "Seeking recommendations for this unhappy orchid! This phal started…"
description: "Seeking recommendations for this unhappy orchid! This phal started growing a keiki probably 2 years ago now, maybe 3. I waited for its roots to grow before…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/ObsXuywfZw4cwi1DlalsHL"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Holly"
published: "2026-03-15T18:05:40.507055Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OvGfsYNzvPKSvzjmB07-XFKohuEITYZbx-ZONFbCQ1c/TFzSg3yzR9id8s7dzB2jOw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Seeking recommendations for this unhappy orchid! This phal started…

_Posted by Holly on 2026-03-15_

Seeking recommendations for this unhappy orchid!

This phal started growing a keiki probably 2 years ago now, maybe 3. I waited for its roots to grow before thinking of chopping it, but every time I thought I should, it started putting out flowers! The mother plant had some leaf breakage about a year ago and I’m concerned with how dark and droopy the leaves are, with such shrivelled aerial roots. Mama plant recently lost a leaf or two from the bottom, too. It stays about as close to a south facing window (northern hemisphere) as it can without being directly IN the window, yet it’s still so dark. Wintertime so humidity has been between 30-40%. The roots were stained brown from the original potting media so it’s very hard to tell how they’re doing without unpotting the whole thing.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to proceed (other than cutting that shrivelled flower stalk, lol sorry)? Thanks so much!

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OvGfsYNzvPKSvzjmB07-XFKohuEITYZbx-ZONFbCQ1c/TFzSg3yzR9id8s7dzB2jOw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OvGfsYNzvPKSvzjmB07-XFKohuEITYZbx-ZONFbCQ1c/_HZBKJxCTwKlnVlkUxf45g.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### MattL commented on 2026-03-15

I think you could just pot up the keiki. The mother plant doesn’t look as bad as you think imo, but if you want it to be stronger, don’t let it put out flowers for a bit!

#### Holly replied on 2026-03-15

Thanks for your advice!

### Jen commented on 2026-03-16

I agree with Matt. They would both benefit from separation, as the roots from the keiki are definitely mature enough to support the baby, but stopped growing from lack of moisture. You will get a better idea of the health of the mother plant when you attempt a repot, but the keiki is just draining it now.

### Elliott commented on 2026-03-18

If you really don’t want to repot the keiki yet, you can always mist her roots with a spray bottle

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