What's going on with this orchid?

[Judi]

Can anyone tell me if this seems normal? I have this noid, I am assuming in the Oncidium alliance, which I purchased Feb. 2011 in full bloom with 2 spikes. I was delighted to see a spike—but it just keeps growing without opening! I first noticed the first spike on Nov. 8, 2012 and the second on Jan. 12, 2013. The first spike is 42 inches long now and shows no sign of opening—it just keeps growing. I am guessing the original spike when I bought it was around 34 inches in full bloom.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on with this orchid and if this is normal? Is there anything special I should be doing to get the flowers to open? The nodes are green and don’t seem dried out at all.

Thanks for your input!

[WhiteRabbit]

Some of the Oncidiums get huge spikes with tons of blooms - takes time for all that to grow
Cooler temps and less light also slow the growth.

[cbuchman]

Mine take forever too. So Patience.

[silken]

Cooler temps and less light make it slower but also may be making the spike longer than when it bloomed in a greenhouse. It sure looks worth the wait!

[violetta]

Looks like it wants to take over the world

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by Judi

Can anyone tell me if this seems normal? I have this noid, I am assuming in the Oncidium alliance, which I purchased Feb. 2011 in full bloom with 2 spikes. I was delighted to see a spike—but it just keeps growing without opening! I first noticed the first spike on Nov. 8, 2012 and the second on Jan. 12, 2013. The first spike is 42 inches long now and shows no sign of opening—it just keeps growing. I am guessing the original spike when I bought it was around 34 inches in full bloom.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on with this orchid and if this is normal? Is there anything special I should be doing to get the flowers to open? The nodes are green and don’t seem dried out at all.

Thanks for your input!

The plant looks happy and healthy. It doesn't look like you have anything to worry about. Nothing that a bit more time won't take care of.

[Judi]

OK, thanks everyone, I guess I just need a large dose of patience! I just never had a non-phal orchid take so long to bloom; I hope the flowers last as long as it takes for them to bloom. My temps are 65 day & 59 night with a humidity around 40-42 % (I have a humidifier) I have my chids on a plant stand under T5 lights, this was on the top shelf--now it is one shelf lower but is again almost tuching the light so I will move it to the lowest shelf soon--after that it's the floor. Yes violetta, I fear you might be right and it wants to take over the world--maybe we shouldn't fall asleep on the couch anymore!

[mab06jk]

Just be glad its not an oncidium baueri my last blooming had a spike 9 1/2 feet long now that took forever to bloom but was a gorgeous sight.

[billc]

Makes me think about Jack and the beanstalk.

Bill

[mattryan]

I have a Gower Ramsey that's spike is like yours. Unfortunately new growths keep getting rot . But when it bloomed had to rig up lots of support so peeps didn't break the spike (or me when watering). Yours sure is a beauty!! Great growing!

Cheryl