Dendrobium Spike

[VickiC]

Hello everyone,
Is it normal for a den to spike from the side rather than from the top two leaves? Of my other dens that have spiked in the past, this is the only one that has grown it's spike from the side. In fact, this same plant has already spiked and bloomed once this year (2 mo. ago) and the spike was between the upper leaves.

I would appreciate your input....all comments welcomed.
Vicki

[Junebug]

It is normal. Some phal type dendrobiums spike 2 or 3 times from the top and another few times at leaf nodes on the upper part of the cane. The same cane can send out spikes for multiple seasons. You should never remove a leafless cane until it shrivels and turns yellow. The plant relies on the older canes as an energy reserve.

[Call_Me_Bob]

its normal. mine do it all the time, rarely sending spikes from the top actually.

post pics when it blooms, i will if you will!

[VickiC]

Thank you help and Junebug!
Vicki

[sii]

Originally Posted by Junebug

It is normal. Some phal type dendrobiums spike 2 or 3 times from the top and another few times at leaf nodes on the upper part of the cane. The same cane can send out spikes for multiple seasons. You should never remove a leafless cane until it shrivels and turns yellow. The plant relies on the older canes as an energy reserve.

I'm glad you said this. I have a den that is growing a new cane next to the original cane. I was worried because the original has lost all but 1 leaf while the new one continues to grow. So I'll leave it one until it dries out. Thanks!

[Call_Me_Bob]

yeah, definitely leave it!