---
title: "does anyone know what these dark leaves on this orchid are? should…"
description: "does anyone know what these dark leaves on this orchid are? should they be removed or can they stay? it hasn’t bloomed since it has been purchased and i was…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/nZNLUmDKRpARCHhQecZH2O"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "rach"
published: "2025-09-13T17:07:59.404927Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vqYc46_BaA_PiOGTChy5RbCaPIdZ9vvYXZMhwlLZmDU/cRD_WnXDQSO6zZggL1JS7A.webp?size=large"
---

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# does anyone know what these dark leaves on this orchid are? should…

_Posted by rach on 2025-09-13_

does anyone know what these dark leaves on this orchid are? should they be removed or can they stay? it hasn’t bloomed since it has been purchased and i was concerned ):

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vqYc46_BaA_PiOGTChy5RbCaPIdZ9vvYXZMhwlLZmDU/cRD_WnXDQSO6zZggL1JS7A.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-09-13

Those are keikis, which are one of the ways orchids can reproduce. You can care for them the same way as an adult orchid, just keep an eye on them because they'll dehydrate faster since they're out in open air. Both keikis look dehydrated at the moment. And if those are phalaenopsis orchids, they all need more light; the leaves should be more of an apple green and darken when they're not getting enough. Once the keikis get a good amount of roots, you can cut them off and plant them in their own pots. You can also cut off the other orchid's dry and brown flower spike; that won't bloom again

#### rach replied on 2025-09-13

thank you! how can they rehydrate? the plant stand is right in front of window that gets bright light but it was recently by an air vent. could that have something to do with it perhaps?

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-09-13

To rehydrate them, just be consistent about watering their aerial roots. You could also mist them or put them near a humidifier to help. An air vent would definitely dry them out faster. You could also wrap some sphagnum around them to retain more water (kind of like a loose kokedama ball.) If it's already getting bright light, the leaf darkening may be a burn from uv or temperature issues (and that other dark orchid may be shaded by the taller pot) try bright indirect light

#### rach replied on 2025-09-13

thank you! i will let my mom know this (they are her orchids) much appreciated!

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