Cymbidiums - new growth or flower spike?

[deanna83]

I have a few cymbidiums at the moment with new spikes of some kind. I'm not sure if they are new growths or flower spikes. I'm obviously praying for flower spikes! Any pearls on differentiating new leads from flower spikes?

It is winter here at moment and it's my first year growing these. Winters generally range from 10-24C. They get full sun on my north deck at least 4 hours of the day (nb Southern hemisphere). I've heard quite mixed messages about whether I should be resting them or not. So I've only reduced watering a bit (was keeping them evenly most through summer). At dawn the humidity is around 90% outside so none of my resting orchids are completely 'dry' really anyway.

Sorry all the pics are all rotated sideways. Not sure how to change this..

[Roberta]

Hard to tell from the photos, but based on the time of year, I would strongly guess "spikes". Spikes are round, sort of bullet-shaped as the emerge New growths are more flattened. Cymbidiums don't need a "rest" period. As the weather gets cooler, you'll naturally reduce watering frequency, because the plants won't dry out as fast. But that's about it. Just patience now... and as the hoped-for spikes develop, you will want to be prepared to stake them for good presentation. Also, as the spikes emerge, it is important to maintain the position of the pot relative to the light. If you turn the pot, spikes will get "twisty". So just let them develop and enjoy the anticipation.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Post pics when it gets a bit larger, then it'd be easier to tell.

What Roberta said is correct.

[deanna83]

Updates a week on. Yesterday I had a battle with a swarm (? Collective term?!) of ants that were all over that sticky substance on new growths!!

A couple I'm very hopeful are flower spikes... A couple are developing a 'V' shape at the tip so I'm still not so sure....

Itd exciting keeping a close eye on them though. And my partner and I have bets going! Lol

[L. Vilas Boas]

So... I am curious. Did they flower?

[SouthPark]

Around 2 years late here.

I was just doing a search online for flower spike detection or recognition heheh. That's because I'm new to cymbidium growing. And my tropical climate isn't going to help with spike activity or spike promotion heheh.

But I'm still interested in understanding tell-tale signs of flower spike "relatively early" in the formation of the spike.

I agree with a lot of growers that are showing what to look out for, and how long to wait. You just have to wait until the spike gets adequately large ----- but doesn't have to be huge or a long wait.

Once large enough, you just look right down on top of the new growth ---- look directly at the tip, and see whether the cross-sectional region of this new growth is round or flattish-oval.

If the cross-section appears unmistakeably round (circular), then pretty much guaranteed to be a flower spike. If flattish-oval, or very flattish oval, then most likely growth of leaves.

The other physical test is gently use index finger pad and thumb pad to squeeze the flattish-oval sides of the growth together. If relatively firm - with pretty much no 'give' ------- then means very likely to be new growth --- as in 'leaves' (not flower spike). But I personally wouldn't bother with physical test or squeezing. I think that observations of the cross-sectional region should be enough.

And if the new shoot 'thing' doesn't retain a pointy tip and the cross sectional region is not very round (circular) when the spike gets much larger ...... then it will definitely not be a flower spike.

[Roberta]

When you get right down to it, the best way to tell is patience! The plant will eventually tell you which it is. And "knowing" in advance isn't going to change anything, it is going to be what it is going to be. And both are good, indicative of a healthy plant.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

The plant will eventually tell you which it is.

It will indeed! Once it gets long enough ----- eg. 5 cm long (example only), a flower spike's shape becomes unmistakable.