Cymbidium orchid, I'm confused :)

[Kseniya]

Originally Posted by plantbuddy

Don't like to rain on your parade, but, how do you tell the difference between spikes and new growths at that stage?

Cool light set-up. I'm jealous.

Hello.
This is not my first cymbidium spikes, that why it was weird for me to see them in January. My other ones almost in bloom, 1-2 weeks to go. Difference in spike and new growth is like difference between thumb and pinky. Spikes are thicker, new growth is thinner. Spikes grow between leaves, bulb swells and spike splits the leaf to grow out, where new growth comes up on the side of the bulb. By the time growth is 2 inches new growth will be making a leaf and are soft rather than hard if they are squeezed, but spike will be more rounded and hard.
Thanks, I like them too.

---------- Post added at 06:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:02 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Steve_Ljak

I admire your light setup , are those all HPS bulbs and what timing schedule do you have on them ?. do you use standard metal box ballast or on electronic ballast ?.

Hello.
Thanks. Yes it is HPS and it is Digital Ballast “Sun System” 150 watt, 16,000 lumens each.
On timer from 9AM to 8PM, I add 2 hours in Spring and take out 2 hours at the end of Fall. It is for orchids that love sun.
My other one is grow lights from “AeroGarden”.
2 bulbs in each 1450 lumens, 26 watt.
On timer from 7AM to 10PM. For orchids than like not too much sun and shade.