New growth from spike on NoId Phal

[judith_arquette]

I picked this up about a month ago at Home Depot, it started dropping blooms yesterday so this morning I decided to cut the spike and hope for a new leaf. Just as I was about to snip it at the base I saw this looking at me. No clue what it is but it appears to be new, active growth. Any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated.

[MrsH530]

Looks like you may be getting a secondary spike

[judith_arquette]

here's hoping!

[ajeatoo]

Yup secondary spike. I have one phal currently doing this. It started growing a spike from one node then all but stopped. Then a few weeks later started growing a spike from a different node and has bee steadily growing that spike which is now about 3" long. The first one it started still is only a little nub.

[judith_arquette]

So cool! I can't wait to watch it grow! One thing orchids have taught me for sure is how rewarding a little patience can be. It seems something I would have learned before now but better late than never

I just discovered another one on a different plant. I'm so excited. They were already in bloom when I bought them but I've never had any at this stage of growth before (I've had new root and leaf growth but never a spike) so I'm excited to be able to observe something new

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by MrsH530

Looks like you may be getting a secondary spike

I ditto! The end of what is emerging says this.....the telescoping reality of the tip.

But, always factor in the overall health of the plant when deciding whether to permit this to move forward or not. I always try to vote for the future health of the plant.....so I can enjoy future blooms for years to come.

Remember, the survival strategy is for our plants to sometimes produce blooms and so, seed when they are unwell.....along with when they are well.

It's your puppy and so must be your call.

[judith_arquette]

Originally Posted by JMNYC

I ditto! The end of what is emerging says this.....the telescoping reality of the tip.

But, always factor in the overall health of the plant when deciding whether to permit thi to move forward or not. I always try to vote for the future health of the plant.....so I can enjoy future blooms for years to come.

Remember, the survival strategy is for our plants to sometimes produce blooms and so, seed when they are unwell.....along with when they are well.

It's your puppy and so must be your call.

I sacrifice the blooms if I feel the plants energy needs it to live and to my delight I've found that cut Phals last almost as long in water as they do attached to the plant. Had some that lasted 2 months, I would just trim the end of the spike when I changed the water every few days. This plants roots look amazing (I can learn lol) and it's leaves are nice and stiff. I will be keeping an eye on it's overall health and hoping I don't need to cut the spike but have no problemsacrificing a few flowers now for the future life of the plant. I couldn't agree with ur advice above more <3

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by judith_arquette

I sacrifice the blooms if I feel the plants energy needs it to live and to my delight I've found that cut Phals last almost as long in water as they do attached to the plant. Had some that lasted 2 months, I would just trim the end of the spike when I changed the water every few days. This plants roots look amazing (I can learn lol) and it's leaves are nice and stiff. I will be keeping an eye on it's overall health and hoping I don't need to cut the spike but have no problemsacrificing a few flowers now for the future life of the plant. I couldn't agree with ur advice above more <3

Yep...the market for cut Phals is ginormous. I am not into cut flowers of any kind; I like the living beings themselves and being a party and augmenter to their journeys. Including the vegetative stages which I find kinda thrilling.

What brings me pain is all the people who buy actual Phals, are not moved to learn to take care of them cause their interest ends when the blooms go. Truth is, the mass produced ones are often cheaper than cut flowers.

---------- Post added at 03:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------

Originally Posted by judith_arquette

So cool! I can't wait to watch it grow! One thing orchids have taught me for sure is how rewarding a little patience can be. It seems something I would have learned before now but better late than never

I just discovered another one on a different plant. I'm so excited. They were already in bloom when I bought them but I've never had any at this stage of growth before (I've had new root and leaf growth but never a spike) so I'm excited to be able to observe something new

U bet! For anyone not shut down, growing plants reconnects us with the perfection and glory of The Journey. Just that....is a huge gift!!!!