orchid spikes - Orchid Board

hallothere · #1 10-29-2008, 05:48 PM

so i've figured out that this is an orchid spike... i think, being a new-grower and all (and WITHOUT green thumbs to speak of). so just wondering if it is normal that the spike, which is very very new, is not green? if this is not the norm, any advise on what i should be doing? and don't worry, although it is on a radiator, the radiator is turned off, and completely cold.

thanks in advance!

britishbulldog · #2 10-29-2008, 06:01 PM

Don't panic.....it is perfectly normal for Phalaenopsis spikes to have a pinkish or red tinge...it is also highly probable that it's a pink flowering variety.Just give your plant plenty of light and ENJOY !!

RosieC · #3 10-29-2008, 06:05 PM

The picture is a little small but I'm assuming you mean the bit at the front rather than the silver roots behind.

Is it a Phalenopsis? If you are not sure a picture of the whole orchid may help.

It looks quite red/dark. This is about the colour the ones on my Phalenopsis. I've just gone to peer at one I've just moved to my mantle piece (as the first flower has just opened) and the spike is not green as such it's very dark and in some lights looks like it has a greenish hint, but mostly looks redish.

From what I can see in your picture it looks about normal for a Phal.

hallothere · #4 10-29-2008, 07:18 PM

thanks so much for the reassurances.
i do think they look like Phals... and do recall that the flowers were of the pink variety. here are pics of the plant when it bloomed earlier this year (in jan-may; and i think this is the right plant - the other orchid plant i have has yellow/orange flowers). then the spike turned brown and i cut it off...

BikerDoc5968 · #5 10-29-2008, 07:52 PM

Don't know if this picture disply will be helpful or not but the GH is beginning to have some action and while it is still too early to tell, I trust we're going to have a nice display by year's end.

The first pic shows an emerging spike. The next shows new roots, a dead root and an old spike. The third shows a spike and new roots. The forth is questionable because the growth on the right appears to be a spike but the jury is still out on what is growing to the left...I think it is going to be a spike that thinks it wants to be a keiki. Then there are spikes growing on old spikes....should have cut them but too late now! And the last is a new spike.

quiltergal · #6 10-30-2008, 12:28 AM

Tis the season! I'm seeing a lot of new spike action at my house too Doc. Your greenhouse is going to be awesome in a month or so!

snow · #7 10-30-2008, 01:20 AM

good explanation of different growths and roots biker doc. it should be a sticky.
can,t wait to see them all bloom.

camille1585 · #8 10-30-2008, 08:03 AM

Hurray for all the spikes Doc!

Your greenhouse is going to be gorgeous when they all bloom. My phals all set spikes early this year (late august) and they are now in low bud. Should be seeing some blooms in a few weeks!

lostonthebeach · #9 10-30-2008, 01:30 PM

Great photos and explanation as always Doc.

Leisurely · #10 10-31-2008, 10:12 AM

Congratulation on all of the activity. I credit it to your ability to grow good strong, healthy plants. They look terrific.