New spike but leaf above is in the way

[jxo58]

One of our orchids appears to be growing a new spike but under a leaf. It has pushed up against it and is growing along under it. We've not seen a new spike forming on any of our orchids - is it ok to just let it get on with it or should we try to lift the leaf to aid the spike?

[dbarron]

To me, this is a question that can only be answered by you and would be aided with experience (yours).
The risk of trying to move the spike is that you will snap it off (many orchid spikes are quite fragile). The flip side is that your flowers may be distorted (because of the leaf) or even aborted if you do not.
The decision is yours as are the consequences.

[Mountaineer370]

One thing that may help is positioning your plant with the light source in mind, i.e., if you grow indoors near a window, and if you look closely at that spike and notice that it seems to be wanting to go more in one direction than the other, make sure that the direction it is tending to go in is toward the window. Spikes are likely to grow toward the light source, so that may help it grow around the leaf above it.

Just speaking from my own experience, a spike touching a leaf above it is not generally detrimental and the leaves adapt. I have encouraged spikes to grow slightly away from a leaf when they get too close by staking, but as dbarron mentions above, it can be tricky. Some spikes are more flexible than others, and you have to be careful not to bend them more than they can handle. Accidentally breaking off a spike is something none of us wants to do.

[Roberta]

This is perfectly normal. Let it grow. If growing toward the light (as Mountaineer suggested) it will eventually clear the leaf, and likely will start to grow upward. Don't change the orientation of the plant with respect to the light while the spike is growing - it will follow the light, and if you change the direction of the light, the spike will end up unattractively twisty. If, as it elongates, it isn't growing where you want it you can gently stake it with just a little pressure in the direction that you want it to go, and that will guide it. The spike may not be perfectly vertical... that is fine. Actually, the perfectly vertical is our aesthetic, not what the plant wants to do.

As with all other things "orchid", Patience is the key. Gently guiding the spike will get you a nice presentation. Rushing the process is likely to break the spike. If you guide it slowly, the flowers will be positioned nicely. They won't be distorted or damaged by the leaf, the spike will be well clear of the leaf by the time the flowers emerge.

[Dimples]

My experience with phalaenopsis spikes is that they absolutely grow towards the brightest light source (10+ hybrids, two species). I’ve used this trait to help shape new spikes into a visually pleasing upright or curved C shape. I let the spikes grow 4-8”/10-20CM and then rotate the plant 180° to encourage the plant to grow back the other direction. You can avoid adding kinks and other wonky twists to it while keeping it in a more upright position if you only do a 180° rotation. The end result is a nice smooth spike with a gentle curve that can be secured to a stake as is, or further trained to grow up the stake for a more traditional arched presentation. But at the end of the day the plants will do what they want and we’re only able to influence them so much. It’s been really fun messing around this way.

[Paphluvr]

Nature has its own way of working these problems out. I've broken several stems/spikes by interfering.

[tmoney]

howdy!

yeah, this happens a lot. i third the suggestion to use light. that is what we do with ours. just turn the plant 180 so the light comes in the side of the leaf and the spike will start to grow out from in between.

also, we love pictures, so post one of the situation (if you r able) and it might help with specific suggestions! one thing ive learned since growing phals is that spiking inflorescences is un underrated art form....and that i prefer an inspired, natural look to the blooms.