Stanhopea: is this a vegetative spike?

[piping plover]

I’m assuming this is a vegetative spike and not a flower spike as it’s emerging on top and not the bottom or side. See photo, new growth in center. The spike is so sharp it reminded me of a cymbidium bloom spike. First few months growing these and not knowing what to expect on growth cycle, patterns . Thanks

[rbarata]

That's a new growth.

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by rbarata

That's a new growth.

Thank you rbarata!

[piping plover]

A year later and looking like I’m getting my 1st bloom spike. I’ve never witnessed these blooms before but everyone keeps commenting about their amazing fragrance.

I cut out a piece of the basket as I thought the spike was getting blocked. Anyone know How long until blooming when at this stage? Am growing this cooler than it likely prefers, low 50s F. to low 70s.

[Roberta]

The plant looks great. I would guess 2-3 weeks to blooming. I also cut baskets... I now use mostly plastic ones, easier to cut than wood. A big one might get a wire basket, then there's the issue of containing the medium without blocking spikes. (I use newspaper to line the wire basket, and sphag as the medium, the newspaper eventually disintegrates but by that time the sphag has packed pretty well and roots are holding it)

Temperature should be OK, I grow it outside (winter low temps into the low 40's or even high 30's, but lows usually still in the 60's at bloom time)

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by Roberta

The plant looks great. I would guess 2-3 weeks to blooming. I also cut baskets... I now use mostly plastic ones, easier to cut than wood. A big one might get a wire basket, then there's the issue of containing the medium without blocking spikes. (I use newspaper to line the wire basket, and sphag as the medium, the newspaper eventually disintegrates but by that time the sphag has packed pretty well and roots are holding it)

Temperature should be OK, I grow it outside (winter low temps into the low 40's or even high 30's, but lows usually still in the 60's at bloom time)

Thank you Roberta! Glad to hear approximately 3 weeks as I’m traveling next week and don’t want to miss it after waiting a year; I can appreciate your post about these not being conducive to a frequent travel schedule 😁

I like the idea of newspaper lining wire baskets. I have paperbark white birch trees in the yard and if I can gather enough I might line a basket with the bark. I recall someone mentioned using papery bark from a tree in the warmer climates.

[DeaC]

Have mine in wire baskets lined with s/m which, when outside, the birds picked at to make nests. Now plants are inside with less light. Our temps were ~45 last night but may fluctuate a bit higher. An iffy time of yr. But new growth is happening. Love this genera.