Spike, buds, roots AND a new leaf? - Orchid Board

The Mutant · #1 03-20-2012, 09:30 AM

When watering some of my Phals today, I noticed that one of my P. equestris that's very busy working on developing the buds on its spike, has decided to do some multitasking and grow a new leaf as well.

I've had this notion that Phals work on either leaves and/or roots, or spikes and/or roots, but not buds/leaves/roots... Apparently some of them do.

I really want this little guy to start blooming soon since it'll be its premiere flowering, so I don't know what to think of it diverting energy to producing a new leaf. Don't take me wrong here, it's obviously a happy equestris, but will this new leaf cause the blooming to stall for a bit? I want to be mentally prepared so as not to be too disappointed.

Wonderful, I have two completely nutty cats chasing each-other throughout the flat.

tucker85 · #2 03-20-2012, 10:52 AM

If the orchid has enough energy to grow roots, leaves and flowers all at once it must mean that your doing an excellent job of caring for it. Congratulations.

The Mutant · #3 03-20-2012, 11:05 AM

Thanks Tucker!

I got a bit worried that the little guy might be overexerting itself. This one and the other two that were bought from the same seller seem to like living with me. The smallest, Tiny Tim, is producing roots like mad now and the other, about the same size as this one, (they both came in spike and only suffered some minor bud blasts) has decided to work on yet another spike...

It seems they've gone a bit bananas these three.

camille1585 · #4 03-20-2012, 01:37 PM

Nothing unusual for Phal equestris! Seems like that species is always multitasking, it's unbelievable. One of mine is gone crazy: Growing a keiki on an old spike, extending another old spike, growing 2 new spikes, growing 2 roots, AND a leaf!

This applies to any orchid, there's no need to be worried if a plant suddenly does many things at once. It just means the plant is happy and the energy to do so> The only time to maybe worry is when a plant is forced to do something, like growing multiple keikis, or side spikes

#5 03-20-2012, 01:45 PM

That's it, they never follow your logic, as if they know better what to grow now.

Congratulations on new growth!
My cornucervi after being stressed with my constant re-potting and re-mounting, now grows two new roots, a new leaf and activated a spike that was just sitting there for almost a year. All at once, go figure.
Maybe it is a spring thing?

The Mutant · #6 03-20-2012, 03:45 PM

It's as I've said before - P. equestris are a great beginners' species Phal. They are not only adorable but they have this way of boosting one's self esteem through the roof with their growth.

The only problem will be when one gets one's hands on a more finicky species Phal and it doesn't do as great. "But the equestris are doing fine, so why not this one?!" "Equestris are weeds, my friend..."

Yup, I definitely think it's a spring thing maybe combined with some good care taking.

The Mutant · #7 03-20-2012, 06:54 PM

Noticed just now that my Black Jack look-alike is doing the same thing! A new leaf!

And yes, this guy has a still growing spike on it...

Could my Phals be planning a mutiny? Have they maybe decided to take over the flat?

Okay, that's it. No more candy for me. I apparently get even more silly than usual when eating it.

The Mutant · #8 03-21-2012, 08:33 AM

I'll have to add the other young P. equestris I bought from the same seller as my other ones, to the nutty-grower list. This guy is working on two spikes, roots, and also a new leaf... And it'll be its first blooming as well. You've just gotta love P. equestris in combination with spring!