Broke a spike...comfort me!

[theloyalplum]

If you got a spike this time, there probably will be another or more next time. Unless it's stress blooming, you have nothing to worry about!

[Keri_Mar]

I know the feeling Three months ago my phal reblooming spike broke due to fact that I tipped it. I am glad that I just left what was left of the spike alone and now another spike had sprung up 2 nodes below where it broke! So hang in there

[Raqsharqi]

I have to say that you've all made me feel less like a total klutz! I've had spikes break off in transit, and while that's irritating, I don't take it as hard as breaking one off while tending them. I'm just glad to know that I'm not alone! Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

[astrid]

I have probably broken 5 spikes this year and I also broke off ALL the new growths on a dendrobium orchid I got when repotting it and it died.
I have broken off so many things from my orchids, but usually they bounce back!

Oncidiums won't rebloom from a broken spike, but phals sometimes will, so you have that comfort if you ever break a phal spike!

[ccrow]

Aw, sorry... I knocked over a mini phal in bloom and broke one of the spikes off last week. I put the flowers in a shot glass and set it next to the plant:-)

[Leafmite]

I've broken off spikes before, too. The worst is when it is the first bloom. I buy most of my orchids as tiny seedlings and so I wait years for the blooms and, then, opps, and I have to wait another six months or year. Sigh.

[Raqsharqi]

Yes, Leafmite, that is exactly it. If orchids bloomed like roses, you could lose a bud and still have enough flowers to feel like the care paid off. Lose a spike on an orchid, though, and you wait a year.
I tried to explain it to my son, who doesn't share my fascination with orchids. There is a Ray Bradbury story about a little girl on a planet where the sun only comes out for two hours every seven years. It's called "All Summer in a Day." I felt like that girl!

[Leafmite]

No, your family is definitely NOT going to understand. My husband and kids look at me like I am insane for being upset.
My family doesn't even really see my plants most of the time. They've knocked orchids over and stepped on them...never noticing.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

No, your family is definitely NOT going to understand. My husband and kids look at me like I am insane for being upset.
My family doesn't even really see my plants most of the time. They've knocked orchids over and stepped on them...never noticing.

Oh my

[DweamGoiL]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

No, your family is definitely NOT going to understand. My husband and kids look at me like I am insane for being upset.
My family doesn't even really see my plants most of the time. They've knocked orchids over and stepped on them...never noticing.

Totally agree. I broke a spike once trying to train it with a too heavy hand. I wanted to cry. I had bought the Phal without seeing it bloom and when it shot out the spike, I was beyond excited and then *crack* right at the base, too. My daughters were looking at me like I had lost my mind. What was the big deal, the plant was still alive? Ugh!!!!