I don't even know how this is possible

[Bulbofett]

This can't be a spike. I treat this orchid like crap, as you can probably tell from the picture. Yellow leaves, shriveled bulbs, and almost no roots to speak of. This plant is incredibly forgiving.

Miltassia charles m. Fitch 'izumi'

[sweetjblue]

Looks like a new growth, a spike would be much more slender.

If you don't want the new leaves to be pleated, a good soaking is in order. Plus you have it planted in a clay pot which will further facilitate in keeping it dry. Miltassias like to dry out alittle but never bone dry, slightly moist is best.

Bet once you give it a soak those p-bulbs will plump back up.


Judi

Ooops, didn't see it at first, but yes you do have a spike showing in the first pic as well! Congrats!!

[LovePhals]

Wow, that plant does look in poor shape, but just needs some water. Congrats on the spike, Milt. Charles fitch is a beauty! Sweetjblue the spike is coming from in between the leaf.

[sweetjblue]

Originally Posted by LovePhals

Sweetjblue the spike is coming from in between the leaf.

I know, didn't see it until after I had posted so I revised!

Thanks!

Judi

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

Looks like a new growth, a spike would be much more slender.

If you don't want the new leaves to be pleated, a good soaking is in order. Plus you have it planted in a clay pot which will further facilitate in keeping it dry. Miltassias like to dry out alittle but never bone dry, slightly moist is best.

Bet once you give it a soak those p-bulbs will plump back up.


Judi

Ooops, didn't see it at first, but yes you do have a spike showing in the first pic as well! Congrats!!

The problem before was that I was keeping it much too wet. I unpotted and all the roots had rotted off. This new growth was the only reason I decided to keep it, and try to salvage what was left. The new growth has all the roots keeping this plant alive. I have to keep it in a clay pot because of how much it rains here. The sphagnum has helped tremendously! I attribute its fast recovery to the sphagnum moss.

I just can't believe that the newest growth hasn't even fully matured and it's throwing a spike. I definitely should have circled it though because it is pretty hard to see right now lol.

---------- Post added at 10:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------

Originally Posted by LovePhals

Wow, that plant does look in poor shape, but just needs some water. Congrats on the spike, Milt. Charles fitch is a beauty! Sweetjblue the spike is coming from in between the leaf.

Yeah I didn't do a great job photographing. I'll update the post with the spike circled.

[sweetjblue]

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

The problem before was that I was keeping it much too wet. I unpotted and all the roots had rotted off. This new growth was the only reason I decided to keep it, and try to salvage what was left. The new growth has all the roots keeping this plant alive. I have to keep it in a clay pot because of how much it rains here. The sphagnum has helped tremendously! I attribute its fast recovery to the sphagnum moss.



---------- Post added at 10:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------



Yeah I didn't do a great job photographing. I'll update the post with the spike circled.

Ok, got it! Saw the roots and thought you were keeping it too dry. So its on the road to recovery!

Have you thought of trying to partially slice thru the rhizome between the back bulbs and the new growth with roots to try and get new growth from the back bulbs? Worth a try IMO.

Judi

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

Ok, got it! Saw the roots and thought you were keeping it too dry. So its on the road to recovery!

Have you thought of trying to partially slice thru the rhizome between the back bulbs and the new growth with roots to try and get new growth from the back bulbs? Worth a try IMO.

Judi

Wow, I don't even know the first thing about trying to get growth from back bulbs. Is there a book I can buy on that, because that sounds awesome! Rhizome slicing for dummies?

I have a couple orchids that I'd like more growth from back bulbs. Didn't know you could slice them to encourage it.

I looked on Youtube just now, but didn't see anything video wise that might help me know what to cut, how much, etc...

[reliablefool]

Congrats! Now make sure you don't snap it off and enjoy those beautiful flowers.

I'm feeling cheated...I've babied mine since I got it earlier this year and the new growth isn't showing any sign of putting out a spike.

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by reliablefool

Congrats! Now make sure you don't snap it off and enjoy those beautiful flowers.

I'm feeling cheated...I've babied mine since I got it earlier this year and the new growth isn't showing any sign of putting out a spike.

I guess the secret is to kick it around a bit and say mean things. I told mine it was going to the trash bin if it didn't shape up.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

I guess the secret is to kick it around a bit and say mean things. I told mine it was going to the trash bin if it didn't shape up.

It's just showing you some sweet southern hospitality.Enjoy.