Please no terminal spike!?? - Orchid Board

Kimbubbley · #1 07-11-2011, 04:46 AM

Hi Guys!

There i was admiring the new growth on my Phal when i noticed the new leaf has an addition...

Instant reaction... "Cool new flower spike!

"

Secondry reaction post research... "NOOOO! Terminal spike!!

"

Can anyone confirm either way from these very early pics of it developing??

Thanks

K

Daethen · #2 07-11-2011, 08:51 AM

I am not sure it is a spike from your pics, but even if it is I wouldn't call it a terminal spike. It would be coming up from the center of the crown and that is behind the center leaf. I personally don't think you have cause to worry. Others may feel differently.

RosieC · #3 07-11-2011, 10:00 AM

I don't think it's a terminal spike. A terminal spike would come INSIDE the fold of the new leaf. That is coming from just outside it, which while high on the plant is still a normal position against a leaf.

I do think it's a spike (rather than a root) although it's early to say, that's what I would guess.

tucker85 · #4 07-11-2011, 10:00 AM

I think it's too early to tell. In a couple of weeks you'll be able to tell for sure. If the spike continues to grow and it turns out that the new leaf is growing from the side of the spike then it's a terminal spike. That's exactly how my last terminal spike started. But if the leaf and the spike grow normally then it's just a normal flower spike in an unusual position. By the way my last phal with a terminal spike sprouted two basal keiki that grew very fast. It's a spectacular plant now. Good luck.

Kimbubbley · #5 07-11-2011, 11:13 AM

Phew! Thanks guys! What is it they say.... a little knowledge can be dangerous? :s

Its weird, it sort of looks like another leaf... maybe because i split the top of the new leaf dusting it?...

But your right its not coming from the centre of the new leaf... its behind it and coming from the leaf underneath on the opposite side, the same way as roots and spikes do

Ive had her 3-4years, seen endless blooms, aerial roots, and never lost a single leaf... but ive never seen anything come out of the crown with the new growth like this!

If its not the dreaded 'terminal spike', i can go back to looking forward to finding out what it is

WhiteRabbit · #6 07-11-2011, 03:14 PM

I had the same reaction (NOOOOO!, not terminal spike!) to one of mine last year that did the same - after a minute of looking more carefully, I realized, like yours, the spike (pretty sure yours is a spike, but time will tell) was coming from the leaf fold just below the new leaf developing, not the crown. Just the way yours looks.

keep us updated please!

tucker85 · #7 07-11-2011, 04:46 PM

Now that I see where your other flower spikes are, it looks like it's in the right place for the next flower. Although maybe a little early. It looks like a healthy plant.

Kimbubbley · #8 07-11-2011, 06:37 PM

Will defo keep u posted WhiteRabbit

its growing at a great rate of knots... Atleast a few mm a day, and the other new spike is grow about 2cm a day!

Perhaps a nice soak in orchid bloom next week to give her a boost... That's alot of growing with 2 spikes and 2 new leaves all in one go! Maybe I'll get a photo a beautiful as those I've been drooling over on the forum

Kimbubbley · #9 07-13-2011, 08:31 AM

Attached is pic of rogue growth... now complete with mitten

so you were right!

A very early flower spike!

cythaenopsis · #10 07-18-2011, 06:32 PM

Is there a general rule of thumb as to when a phal will develop a terminal spike? If it is never stressed, will it simply reach a point where it is too old to bloom again and will then release a terminal spike? What's the record age of a phal? I saw one person on another forum say they've had theirs for 20 years!