Oncidium 25" Spike No Buds

[Ginger9899]

Hello this a noid on oncidium intergeneric type I received bare root a couple of years ago. Since then it has grown many new pseudobulbs and I was thrilled when it finally spiked for me last month. I can't wait to see what the flowers look like! But....this spike is 25" tall and getting taller with no signs at all of buds, just straight thin spike. 2 more have started and are still shorter but seem to be following the same pattern so far. I am attaching a pic (I can't seem to attach more than one) but I'm not sure it's helpful. The orchid seems healthy, tons of roots, healthy looking leaves and bulbs.

Is this normal or is it normal for a spike to keep growing that tall with no signs of buds at all? Thanks for any advice or observations.

[judith_arquette]

Can you post a close up of the top part of the spike?

[estación seca]

It is normal for some to send out very long spikes. A tip closeup as judith_arquette suggested would be helpful.

[ThePinkCucumber]

I would also like to see a close-up, but Oncidiums tend to do that

[Subrosa]

My noid, which is likely an unlabeled Sharry Baby gets spikes around that length.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I suspect that either the plant is genetically prone to having longer spikes (Oncidium altissimum for example can have spikes as long as 6 to 10 feet), or possibly the plant is getting light that is at the lower end of its preferred range (good enough light to bloom, but maybe not quite enough light to be optimal).

I have a Rossioglossum ampliatum that has responded with elongated spikes in lower-than-optimal light. I'm still trying to decide how much light is optimal.

[tucker85]

That kind of flower spike is perfectly normal. Some oncidiums can have huge spikes that take months to mature and bloom. I have an Oncidium sphacelatum that grows like a weed in Florida. It can have flower spikes up to 4 feet long and it can take 3-4 months for the spike to grow out and mature.

[silken]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I suspect that either the plant is genetically prone to having longer spikes (Oncidium altissimum for example can have spikes as long as 6 to 10 feet), or possibly the plant is getting light that is at the lower end of its preferred range (good enough light to bloom, but maybe not quite enough light to be optimal).

I have a Rossioglossum ampliatum that has responded with elongated spikes in lower-than-optimal light. I'm still trying to decide how much light is optimal.

You've maybe already seen the Baker's culture notes on that Rossioglossum but it says light of 3000 to 4000 fc. So quite a bit!

[Ginger9899]

Thank you so much for the information. I feel much better. I am attaching the only pic I have of the tip, it isn't great but maybe you can see - no signs of any kind of bump or lines or anything. That's ok, I'll keep waiting.

I will think about more light also. It sits on an eastern facing screened porch and does get several hours of morning sun, but I will see if it can take more perhaps.

Thank you again for the information, very helpful!

[estación seca]

Spike!