Ludisia initiate new growth? - Orchid Board

Helen · #1 03-08-2010, 03:22 PM

I only have one single stem on my Ludisia discolor which has just finished spiking. I am going to cut the spike, but how do I initiate new growth for subsequent spiking? Do I cut the top off of this one, but then the new growth will shoot off to one size which would probably not be too pleasing visually. Or, will it reflower from new leaf growth which continue to grow upward? OR, am I missing something here?
Thanks
Helen

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 03-08-2010, 07:25 PM

My recommendation...

Do nothing. It will re-bloom on the next blooming season.

Mature new growths will put out new inflorescences too.

stefpix · #3 03-09-2010, 08:24 PM

you can cut a few pieces of the old growth and they will slowly root and form new plants you can give to your friends or trade.

you can put it horizontally and a plant could form from each node...

just some moist coco coir and a a clear top over teh pot to keep humidity.

Helen · #4 03-09-2010, 08:40 PM

Thanks, I was really trying to find out if it will bloom on the same plant after I cut off the spike. Will it rebloom on the same plant after more leaves grow?
Some history: It bloomed after I cut it off of a long scruffy piece that wouldn't bloom. As soon as I cut the top of, she bloomed! Now, because the top cut is so short, I don't have much to work with and the old piece is now starting to root. I didn't know if I had to keep cutting and rooting, cutting and rooting.
H

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 03-10-2010, 12:00 AM

I don't think you need to keep cutting the tops off every time you want the plant to bloom.

I think it'll bloom on it's own. Just be patient.

Helen · #6 03-10-2010, 02:19 PM

Ok, thanks to everyone for your help! Patience is the key!
H

stefpix · #7 03-10-2010, 04:51 PM

At least you are not growing Bonsais. I would try to grow a piece of ludisia in a terrarium, like in a clear plastic storage shoebox or something.
I have the impression my cuttings i keep covered grow faster.

quiltergal · #8 03-10-2010, 05:07 PM

I have a ludisa discolor that I've had for probably 20 years. It seems to thrive on neglect. It was repotted in regular potting soil umpteen years ago. Gets watered once a week if I remember. Every once in awhile when it gets too leggy I whack all the growths back about halfway at least. Within a week or two it's sending up new growth. I did a major whack back last summer and it's currently blooming with 4 spikes. Once it finishes blooming it will start to grow a branch from the existing growth and if left alone will bloom off of that. The old growth has to branch with new growth before it will bloom off of that "cane" again.

RosieC · #9 03-10-2010, 05:14 PM

Terri, what sort of light and temps do you keep yours in.

Also does it dry out between watering or do you water it even when still wet.

Mine is just doing nothing, it's in quite low light and in my living room which is arround 15C-21C at the momment. It does not seem to dry out very quickly so ends up getting watered arround once a month when it finally HAS dried out.

Not sure what I'm doing wrong if anything.

stefpix · #10 03-10-2010, 05:23 PM

Rosie, don't you think that maybe more light, more humidity and higher temps would make it grow faster?

maybe with 15 C it makes it a bit dormant. would try 22-25 C or something