Spike loop

[Rid]

my oncidium ‘shares baby’ has a spike that seems to be stuck on one side. Should I intervene or let nature take its course?

[Ray]

In my experience, often, "intervention" = "breakage".

If there is a small leaf/sheath interfering, you might tear that longitudinally, which might be enough, but the spike itself is quite brittle.

[Paphluvr]

Excellent advice from Ray. Leave it alone.

[Ray]

The hybrid, by the way, is Oncidium Sharry Baby.

[Dollythehun]

If you feel brave and have a steady hand, take a butter knife and very gently insert it between the spike and sheath. It should loosen enough to pop out. Ray is correct but, then there is human nature. Also check your watering regularity. For me, they stick when my watering is erratic.

[Rid]

I was able to dislodge it from the sheath, without disturbing the spike.

thanks for the help everyone.

Ray, your algae mix must be working. i have all kinds of growth happening on my bench. Thanks!

Ridley