Sulking?

[DweamGoiL]

I have seen the term on the board and was just wondering what it is exactly? Is it that the plant does not bloom or is it that the plant physically shows signs similar to sulking (bowed stems or something along those lines)?

I figured I might as well as all the stupid questions while I am still new

[jeremyinsf]

The thing that's great about this board is that you can ask questions even when you are not new :-)

Sulking to me - Both what you say - doing nothing, no new growth, no flowers... or almost wilting. Basically, not moving 'forward', and perhaps even moving 'backward' a bit, as a plant. Depending on the context, they both work for me.

Enjoy the board!

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes, some orchids object to roots being messed with, dividing. Some Dens for example, do drop foliage and "sulk". Others may look all right, but don't grow for a while, and/or skip a bloom season.

[RosieC]

Agreed, to me it's basically that the plant is either just sitting there doing nothing and refusing to grow or flower, or it's actually getting worse, dropping leaves for example.

[Oscarman]

Not moving forward is a good way to describe it. No growth, no death.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by DweamGoiL

I have seen the term on the board and was just wondering what it is exactly?

Many years late on this one. Nice topic.

Not sure if 'sulk' for orchids and plants is some unofficial term (or not). Obviously - orchids aren't humans. So it should probably only be taken as a grain of salt when referring to plants.

Also, obviously - when the orchid's roots are disturbed, the orchid doesn't do anything like have a 'dislike' for its roots being disturbed - because it doesn't have a 'brain' as we know it. The temporary setback or temporary suspended growth will just be due to time required for chemical/physical/biological processes to get back to speed again - after whatever it is/was that got disrupted --- eg. damaged roots, beneficial microbe activity in the root system, or root contact with culture media - for efficiently getting water and nutrients.

[ArronOB]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Many years late on this one. Nice topic.

Not sure if 'sulk' for orchids and plants is some unofficial term (or not). Obviously - orchids aren't humans. So it should probably only be taken as a grain of salt when referring to plants.

Also, obviously - when the orchid's roots are disturbed, the orchid doesn't do anything like have a 'dislike' for its roots being disturbed - because it doesn't have a 'brain' as we know it. The temporary setback or temporary suspended growth will just be due to time required for chemical/physical/biological processes to get back to speed again - after whatever it is/was that got disrupted --- eg. damaged roots, beneficial microbe activity in the root system, or root contact with culture media - for efficiently getting water and nutrients.

Yep, many years late, but nonetheless a useful definition. I’ve long known about orchids sulking but never really thought through the process - thank you for making it clear.

[WaterWitchin]

My orchids tend to not really sulk. Moreso they pout and throw temper tantrums like a two-year-old.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

My orchids tend to not really sulk. Moreso they pout and throw temper tantrums like a two-year-old.

hahaha! I like that imagery.

I have seen youtube videos where people start referring to their orchids as 'he' or 'she'. The humanisation factor hahaha.