Spike going the wrong direction, what can I do?

[RosieC]

My first thought was that on mine the spikes grow downwards from the angle of the plant's leaves. On mine the plant is almost 90° to the mount, so the spike growing down was parallel to the mount.

I can see from your pictures that your plant is perhaps not sticking out from the mount as much as mine, so maybe the same orientation between plant and spike points towards the mount.

Of course I only bought mine last year already in spike so I have no idea if the orientation between plant and spike is standard... but yours looks from the pics to match it.

Anyway, I would try as Nenella has sugested. That's similar to what I tried with my Phal bellina and it seemed to work (except the bud blasted but that's unrelated, it was growing fine that way for a long while).

[camille1585]

The old dried out spikes on the plant are growing out at an angle like you say. The difference is that they grew to the front of the plant and not the back!

Speaking of which, I just realized right now that I forgot to take it out of the bucket this morning before leaving for work.... It and 3 other mounts are going to have to soak all day long....

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Speaking of which, I just realized right now that I forgot to take it out of the bucket this morning before leaving for work.... It and 3 other mounts are going to have to soak all day long....

I've done that a few times with this one, the last time a couple of weeks ago. It doesn't seem to mind as long as it's not all the time.

[camille1585]

UPDATE:
Good news, thanks to your suggestions, I've managed to get the spike to stop growing into the cork. I've even slowly managed to completely turn it around, it's now facing the front. There's 7 fat buds on that spike, should be another 2 weeks I'd guess before it blooms. The other spike is probably a month behind.

[nenella]

Pic please?

[camille1585]

Here you go, went to take a pic just for you!
Because of all the stuff to push the spike into place, it was also pushing the entire plant. So I had to tie the top of the plant to the mount. Wonder if everything will stay in place when I remove the pile of syrofoam and bark chips.

Lol, didn't realize how dirty the plant was until I saw the pic!

Btw; on a completely different topic, your Phal equestris is doing really well, it started 4 brand new roots this week. I think the orchids like spring, there's a crazy amount of roots growing on all the phals.

[nenella]

COOL! Excellent !Thanks Camille & LOL about the 'marks on the leaves'... that's happened to me too.. In the past! & I wouldn't call it 'dirty'.. poor thing It's just marks from fert deposits!
An Idea, If you can, & It's poss I'd break the styrofoam into a smaller bit -and put it so that it sits at the back of the spike & not onto the buds, now it's growing in the right direction.....???
If you decide to do this, from experience I'd say Only do this in daylight & take your time so you don't damage it!
Keep us posted can't wait to see the flower. Mine is growing a new leaf and roots but no sign of spike...

[camille1585]

I was thinking of doing that (moving it out from under the buds) but first I want to find another, more eye pleasing solution. I'm thinking about maybe finding a small twig with a 'Y' at the top to prop up the spike. Then I need to start building up under the other spike now that it's getting lost enough to be bendable.

Mine is blooming a bit out of season, they normally bloom in spring-summer. So you might see a spike soon.

[nenella]

Yes I know what you mean... But I'm afraid I don't have a solution & a twig with a Y is a cool idea! But, good luck finding one, also how you going to stick the twig to the mount? :
You are 'close' timing wise to seeing the buds turn into flowers... personally I wouldn't risk it as already a risk with the styro.... You can always leave it on and take off once spike flowered? ...
Good luck if you go for the "aesthetics" & keep us posted with what & how you do with pics they speak more than words.

PS: 4 roots!!! WOW! good growing!

[RosieC]

That's cool that it's growing a good direction now. Hope you find a solution to proping it how you want.