Is this a spike on my Psychopsis?

[camille1585]

Silly question I know, but last time I thought I had spikes (on my Maxillaria tenuifolia) it turned out to be growths. So I thought I'd get another opinion on this one before I start doing the happy dance! It's my first Pyschopsis, I got it in September. The new growth which is producing the nubbin is easily twice as large as the previous leaf, so I know I've been doing something right!
Too bad I don't have a name for it, the grower sold it simply as Pyschopsis Butterfly.

[neb]

looks like a spike to me

[Paul Mc]

So is this the time of year we would see spikes develop on this particular orchid? Or can it spike anytime during the year?

[camille1585]

I just had a look at Orchidwiz, and it says these bloom year round (which I knew). Don't know if that means that they spike year round!

I also discovered that Psychopsis Butterfly really is the same of a hybrid! It's Psy sanderae x papilio. LOL, why didn't I check before?

[neb]

On many Oncidium alliance orchids you will notice a small depression or grove on the pseudobulb where a spike is forming but when it is a new growth there is not anything

[pedidiva]

Yay, post a pic of the flower.

[RJSquirrel]

looks sure like another leaf to me...leaves are good..mine had 8 growths before it decided to become spike ed

[quiltergal]

Originally Posted by neb

On many Oncidium alliance orchids you will notice a small depression or grove on the pseudobulb where a spike is forming but when it is a new growth there is not anything

That's an interesting observation. I'll have to pay more attention the next time my Wildcat blooms.

[neb]

Right now I haven’t been able to prove it but on more than on occasion I have seen a slight grove on the pseudobulb then a few weeks later a spike emerges. I need to get my camera out and take some pictures.

[bellini girl]

Be sure NOT to cut the inflourescence when the flower drops. These are sequestial bloomers and another bud generally forms in the same spot. Two of my butterflies (alba type) have been in bloom for the last 2 months