Spike going the wrong direction, what can I do?

[camille1585]

My Gastrochilus japonicus put out 2 spikes a few weeks ago, and one of them (possibly the other as well) is absolutely determined to grow the wrong way. The plant is mounted on cork, so the spike is growing straight towards the cork, I have a bad feeling that it's going to go embed itself in it.

I think the most obvious answer is that it will turn towards the light. So as soon as I noticed that the spike was growing wrong (it was a 1/2cm nub then) I took down the plant (it grows hanging under lights) and laid the mount flat on the windowsill below the light. Not working at all, the spike has turned even further back if that's even possible.

Any ideas on how I can coax it to turn around, or at the very least make it go sideways to avoid ramming into the cork? Or how I can stop the other, smaller spike from going the same route?

[nenella]

Camille,
I had the same problem with an angraceum, I ended up putting a bit of styrofoam under to push it away (opposite direction) It worked, but the 'spear' part of the flower remained bent... I wish I'd put the styrofoam 'earlier' in the bud development.
I have recently experienced similar:
I put a bit on a Noid Phal a couple of weeks ago as one bud growing towards stem, and it's helped. Although flower is not @ the exact angle I wanted ..but I was very lazy and did not change the styrofoam bit as IMO you need to gently coax it in the direction you want it to grow by changing /moving the styrofoam over a time period depending how much it grows every day...
The direction of light as you mention helps too.
keep us posted & have you got pics?

[camille1585]

Pics on the way....

[camille1585]

Don't know if I can get pics up tonight, the computer is refusing to recognize the camera for some reason. I'll try one more time...

[nenella]

Looking forward to seeing the photo as I have a Gastrochilus too. Haven't noticed any spikes on mine ... That's good growing Camille!!! hope you're able to sort the direction of the spike out :

[camille1585]

OK, finally got everything to cooperate with me, here's the pic:

[Jeff9]

make a ramp between the plant and the cork, with simply one of those plastic/waterproof paper labels you use to tag orchids, just attach it to the cork, the smooth surface wont harm the spike when it reaches it and it should push itself upwards against it.

Hope you get what i mean

[nenella]

Well If it were mine I would put the styrofoam bits like this....
I have 'tried' to draw it in





You need to start off with a small bit of SF under spike on part that you can see is going to be a straight bit of growth and not damage bud, putting the least pressure possible on spike so as not to break it ... but slightly adjusting the angle of growth every day...
Apologies for not being v clear but It's hard to explain...
here's what I mean... but not a 'good' drawing either

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Jeff9

make a ramp between the plant and the cork, with simply one of those plastic/waterproof paper labels you use to tag orchids, just attach it to the cork, the smooth surface wont harm the spike when it reaches it and it should push itself upwards against it.

Hope you get what i mean

Good Idea!

[camille1585]

Good ideas! I'll try the styrofoam first to attempt to redirect the spike, and if that fails I'll use a label to at least avoid it growing into the cork.

I'm really looking forwards to the blooms (first ones in my care), but it won't be very nice if they're all behind the plant!