My twinkle spikes are drying up!! - Orchid Board

irrka · #1 02-04-2009, 04:22 PM

I've had an onc twinkle for about a year. It's been spiking like crazy for the past few months but all of them keep drying up before getting big! i don't know what's wrong! i have it in S/H in a south window. Any suggestions?

greenbean · #2 02-04-2009, 04:55 PM

What temperatures and humidity do you have? How long has it been in S/H? Does anything else seem wrong with it?

I'm sorry, I don't really have any answers for you, but give as much info as you can think of, including answering my questions, and maybe someone with more experience can help.

WhiteRabbit · #3 02-04-2009, 05:35 PM

my only thought is that maybe a southern exposure might be too strong? not sure tho - only recently got a twinkle myself. mine is in a west facing window as my noid 'dancing lady' onc has done well facing that direction

camille1585 · #4 02-04-2009, 05:48 PM

I'm not sure of anything either, but I had the same thoughts as was previously mentioned. Maybe the sunlight is too strong for them (which would be strange I think, seeing as you are in NYC and it's winter) or maybe the humidity is too low.

Any more info on how you grow it?

irrka · #5 02-04-2009, 06:05 PM

Temperatures probably in the 50-70s--the window glass may get a bit colder. Humidity is probably around 20-40% (the plants are on a water tray) but i just gave in and bought a humidifier today, so hopefully that'll be a bit improved. It's been in S/H for almost a year (i changed it over right after it stopped blooming). I was thinking southern window in nyc was probably as good a light as i can provide without having artificial light set up (and i do run a couple CFC bulbs in that direction afterdark since the days are so short.

greenbean · #6 02-04-2009, 06:32 PM

I don't think light is the issue, given the season and your location. Lows in the high 50's shouldn't be a problem. I've seen temperature requirements for this anywhere from cool to warm. Intermediate is probably best. It's not touching the window is it? Maybe there's a draft you're not aware of chilling the plant? Or similarly, is a vent blowing at it? The dry air from a vent could cause the same problem. Your humidity is pretty low. The humidifier you got might solve the problem.

Good luck!!

let_it_grow · #7 02-04-2009, 06:32 PM

I find that my s/h can get dry on the top pretty quick in the taller pots. I have seen a few plants spike like crazy when they are not getting enough water to try to reproduce as an act of survival. If the spikes are drying up before blooming or fully opening up it could be from not enough water, too cold or critters like scale. Scale like to chew on the spikes and even eat the flowers. Got any pictures? How long does it take for them to dry up? Is it just the flowers or the whole spike?

Lagoon · #8 02-04-2009, 07:42 PM

Are the bulbs full? sounds like its a water issue.

irrka · #9 02-04-2009, 09:49 PM

The plant's not touching the window. The spikes never get to be full, before they dry up. The pot is pretty shallow (maybe 3-4" tall?). You really think it's a water issue even though it's in S/H?? I'll post up some pictures in the morning--i can't seem to get a good image with the flash. Thanks for all your replies so far!!!

irrka · #10 02-05-2009, 09:20 AM

here's the pic