Wanted to share my spike

[Pilot]

Thanks all--

Yeah the spike is really something. I like how it went straight up, too. I did minimal rotating of the plant as it seemed it wasn't going to grow to one side or the other much, I figured a slight variation in rotation wouldn't bother it much.

The plant has been in s/h from March of 09 but went into this particular pot probably in May or June, after finally figuring out how this s/h system really worked. Note, this plant had no good roots left at one time. It lost its roots due to my poor care but after reading up on things here I got a grasp of how things were to be done if I wanted to keep the plant. It lived on bottom heat for a long time, with its other kin. The others aren't growing quite as well as this one but they began growing new roots later, too. But once they get even just two or three good roots into the s/h, they flourish!

The spike is no longer straight up as the top has begun to "fall over." It is still straight up in general but it is clear that the part with the buds is forming and is beginning to cascade now. I don't plan on moving it at all now, except to water, in hopes all the flowers will grow in the same direction.

Anyone have any tips on getting all the flowers to face the same way?

As for the color-- here she is-- NOID but this is my favorite plant....not just for the flowers, which are great, but the plant has given me so much joy, watching it grow and appreciate the care I'm finally giving it (which does require SOME neglect!).



I realize it is unlikely anyone has an ID for this phal but if there are any guesses, let me know. Thanks guys. I love sharing stuff with you-- good and bad-- cuz only orchid people "get" other orchid people. hehe Good thing is, I have another addiction-- hippeastrum and I'm now receiving new bulbs every week-- can WAIT for them to bloom. In fact I'm off to photograph a newly opening hippeastrum right now.

Thanks all!

[Pilot]

UPDATE

Hi guys--

I don't have a pic yet but wanted to share even more good news about my monster phal, as it has been named so,..... I was trying to figure out a way to give the plant more growing room because the spike has grown too tall for even my tallest shelf. So I tried to put it on the next shelf below and position it so that the spike could continue to grow up to the top shelf... well the plant itself is too tall for that shelf so I had to strap the thing to the side of the shelf! It seems to be working as it look like it gets plenty of light and the spike continues to grow well.

However, it was during this time I spotted a second spike!!! It is below the first one but on the opposite side.

are there generalities concerning the position of spikes and how/where they general grow? I found it odd that this new one is physically lower on the plant that the first.

I'll post pics when able!

[trdyl]

Congratulations on your rebloom! It is a great looking plant.

[Pilot]

OK so here are some photo updates-

This first one shows the monster phal clinging to the side of the grow shelf.



Shows the second spike coming in. On closer look it is about the same position, just opposite side, as the first spike.


This is my phal 'Pauline' that I just discovered as having a potential spike too. It is not obvious in this photo but the nub has a definite "point" to what looks like a mitten. Could still be a root but I'm guessing its a spike.

This is awesome! So happy I'm getting these things to rebloom. I should note, I have recently added a heavier phos fert and the day time temps range from 78-80 on the grow shelf to lows at night of 60-62.

[Nic100]

Wow, that's amazing! If I ever needed convincing that S/H is the way forward then you've just done it! Looks like you're going to be enjoying some fab blooms!
Nicky
BTW - I have a very similar NoID Phal - also one of my favourites.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Nic100

Wow, that's amazing! If I ever needed convincing that S/H is the way forward then you've just done it! Looks like you're going to be enjoying some fab blooms!
Nicky
BTW - I have a very similar NoID Phal - also one of my favourites.

Thanks Nicky! I just posted another pot on the s/h forum if you want to check it out. I'm experimenting using sphag to help ease a plant into s/h. I did it because I have a young, delicate phal, and so I placed the plant and sphag ontop of the hydroton....so far it seems to be working.

[Nic100]

Originally Posted by Pilot

Thanks Nicky! I just posted another pot on the s/h forum if you want to check it out. I'm experimenting using sphag to help ease a plant into s/h. I did it because I have a young, delicate phal, and so I placed the plant and sphag ontop of the hydroton....so far it seems to be working.

Awesome, thanks Ryan, I'll check it out!

[chidlove]

Originally Posted by Pilot

My favorite phal is in spike.... check it out!!! Its about a month into growing and the top is full of potential little buds.



Here is a close-up of its crazy roots. S/H has done well by this plant.



I'm so excited. This will be my first repeat bloomer (getting the phal to bloom again after the originally purchased blooms!).

Yay!! so Happy for you!!! That plant of yours, looks like it could get up and walk away!!!
Great Growing!!!

[Pilot]

Here she is-- the first bloom... not the best pic as it doesn't show the delicate stripes-- but it opened just this morning. I have officially rebloomed my first orchid!

[Ranchnanny]

Pilot great growing.... I have most of my Phals. in s/h and they all have spikes.

Sheridan