correct me if I'm wrong but...

[greenpassion]

From my limited experience growing phalaenopsis, when these guys Spike and Bud the lowest buds are the first to open ending at last with the tips. That said, as you see in the pics, I have several branches that came out on each Spike but from what I'm seeing, it looks like obviously the swollen buds are going to open ahead of the much smaller buds on the branches. Does that mean the branches are going to sit there useless? I've had that happen in the past although the branches were much much shorter. Almost like an idea of a branching Spike.

[greenpassion]

And I hate the sideways pictures, and blurry ones as well!

[fishmom]

I think it is common for the side branches to develop after the main stalk. I wouldn't worry if they were mine. It looks like you're going to have a nice display!

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by fishmom

I think it is common for the side branches to develop after the main stalk. I wouldn't worry if they were mine. It looks like you're going to have a nice display!

Fish Mom, are you saying that the branches are going to Bud and Bloom?

[Roberta]

I'd agree with Fishmom... you're going to have a lovely display that will be in bloom for a long time since everything won't open at once. Sure those little buds will bloom! Patience!

[greenpassion]

Okay. I just really didn't think that lower branches below opened buds above would actually do anything. This is the first time I've experienced this with my phalaenopsis. Last year this particular one that is in the picture put up one beautiful gorgeous Spike and was in bloom for 7 months. This time it's put up to branching spikes. I have to say here in this thread, that these orchids are grown under LED grow lights from Orchids Limited. I have posted several times about these bulbs and never gotten a response. But every single one of the phalaenopsis minis as well as the large ones under these lights has grown beautifully and spiked and bloomed reliably. I'm able to keep the lights 4 feet from the plants. And it puts a beautiful display without the lights having to be two or three feet and blue or red or on Long tubes or anything... I've had so much success with these bulbs in my track lighting. It is always surprise me over the last for 5 years but with this much success I have had no responses. Anyway that's okay this thread is about wondering whether the lower branches below the buds are going to actually come to fruition.

[fishmom]

Yes, as Roberta says, the side buds should mature and bloom just like the ones on the main stem. Consistent culture will improve the chances that it all goes well.

Nice to know about the lights, too.

[greenpassion]

Got it! Thank you you guys. I will really work on being patient...

[camille1585]

Side branches don't count in the normal sequence of blooming. They usually finish maturing a bit after the first buds open, but they do bloom, and you will have a spectacular show. Congrats on the branching spike. Branching is largely genetic, but how well it is expressed depends a lot on culture.

[Paphluvr]

The lateral spikes just mean that the plant is more mature and that you're doing a good job with it. It now has more energy to produce those lateral spikes and buds vs when it was younger and just threw one main spike. Keep up the great growing and expect a great display.