Phal spike - Orchid Board

jimbo662 · #1 02-10-2009, 07:18 PM

I bought a phal last May that had a spike that is about 4" long. It never grew any longer than that. The plant itself has been doing well...putting on several new leafs. I moved to a new house back in Dec. After it gets settled is there a chance the spike will continue to grow?

Ethan · #2 02-10-2009, 07:27 PM

If the spike is completely brown and dry it is dead and should be removed. Chances are, since it hasn't done anything since May, it is probably dead. In fact, since it hasn't done anything since May and the plant is healthy, I would probably remove it so it can grow a new one even if it isn't dead.

jimbo662 · #3 02-10-2009, 07:36 PM

Ethan, the spike has stayed green and healthy lookinig. i just took a pic of it.

Brooke · #4 02-10-2009, 08:25 PM

If the spike is green, and I see it is, leave it and when the conditions are to it's liking, it will bloom.

I don't know what area of the world you live in but it may want a warm up in temps or a temp differential.

Brooke

jimbo662 · #5 02-10-2009, 08:33 PM

I'm in the Austin Tx area. I keep them in the bathroom which is tiled so it gets cool at night maybe down into the mid 60's and into the 70's during the day.

camille1585 · #6 02-11-2009, 07:01 AM

Looks like the spike just stalled for some unknown reason. How much light is it getting in your bathroom? In your pics the leaves are a dark green, which would indicate not enough light.

Sandy4453 · #7 02-11-2009, 08:29 AM

I agree about the light, it probably can use more. If you can place it near a window with the spike towards the light, you may wake it up.

Ethan · #8 02-11-2009, 09:15 AM

Wow, that's weird!...I've never heard of a spike stalling like that for so long!

I agree, though...maybe needs a little more light and when it gets the conditions it likes it will probably start growing again.

jkofferdahl · #9 02-11-2009, 02:24 PM

I've seen spikes stall for a while, then take off again. It may be light, as mentioned, but it could also be due to temperature. If the plant isn't getting a nice drop at night the spike could stall. Or it could just be that the plant is a Phalaenopsis, and Phals sometimes decide to do WHAT they want WHEN they want to do it. I have a Phal mariae that started a spike last May or June. The spike grew to about 3 inches and then stalled; meanwhile, three new leaves grew, and the thing is as well-rooted as an oak tree. Then, about a month ago the spike started growing, and even branching, and the plant sent up two new spikes at the same time.

jimbo662 · #10 02-11-2009, 06:38 PM

I moved the plant away from the brighter light when i took the picture. I'll see if i can get more light to it.