Question about Fdk. After Dark growth

[Kethry1313]

Hello, all. I'm new to this particular orchid type and I have a question. This spring I got a Fdk. After Dark x Ctsm. Donna Wise 'Kathleen' seedling. It's starting to go into it's winter rest and has lost three of it's leaves, with three still go to. I have reduced the amount of water that it receives.

My understanding is that it will start growing it's new bulb in the late winter early spring. I was looking it over the other day and noticed a growth at the bottom of it's newest bulb. Is it already starting it's new growth for the next year? Is this normal or did I screw up it's system moving it indoors from outside where it had been all summer. If it is a new growth do I continue with the normal winter rest that it should be getting?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[isurus79]

If it is a new growth, continue watering as you would for a new growth (ie. let the new growth put out roots a few inches long before you begin watering). However, that kinda looks like a spike. You might want to hold off on watering it for a while until you can figure out which one it is. Im hoping its a spike because I havnt seen any flowers from this cross yet!

[smweaver]

It looks like the beginning of a spike to me, too. I believe this cross has got some clowesia in its background, and both my Clowesia rosea and Clowesia warscewiczii are sending up spikes right now, so this might be the right time of year for your Fredclarkeara (ugh, and with all due respect to Mr. Clarke, that's definitely not the most melodious-sounding name either). Will be nice to see what you have there, be it spike or new growth. Good luck!

[Jorch]

Looks like a spike to me also! A bit too round to be a new growth, IMO. Do keep us updated!

[betoguerrero]

I think is a spike too.... is round....

[betoguerrero]

Hi KIM.... I think your CHID is very simillar than Stanhopeas... here you can see in the same bulb the spike of flowers ... is round and horizontal ... and the new grow is vertical... yours I think is a floral Spike ... CONGRATS!!!!

[Kethry1313]

Thanks so much, everyone. I was rather hoping it was a flower spike, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. Fred Clarke said that there was a chance of flowers this year but next year was a better bet. I'll definitely keep all of you updated on what it's doing and if it is a spike I'll be sure to post pictures of the flowers once they open.

And thanks, betoguerrero for the pictures, mine definitely looks like the flower spike and not the bulb.

[Kethry1313]

Hi, guys. Thought I'd post an update and see if you all still thought it might be a flower spike and to also ask a question. If it is a flower spike what do I do? Do I continue not watering it or do I start watering it a bit? Also I understand that you can control if they are going to be male or female flowers. Which is more desirable for the prettiest flowers and how do I go about doing that? Of course if this isn't a flower spike my questions are kind of moot, but it would be nice to know what I'm doing for next time.

Thanks.

[isurus79]

That might be a flower spike, but I dont think I can say that with any conviction. No need to water until you get growth. Those bulbs should have enough energy to flower. If you see sever shriveling of the bulbs, then give it a quick splash and it should perk right up. As for male vs. female flowers, Catasetinae that have sexual dimorphism (Im not sure if this term works for flowers, but you get the point) will give male flowers in low light and female flowers in high light. However, with such a strong influence from the Clowesia and Mormodes genera, I dont think you have to worry about it. Your flowers should always have both boy and girl parts. Lighting should not play a role with your plant! I really hope its spiking though. Ive got 2 that may or may not be too young to bloom, so I might have to get Fdk fix from your plants!! Good luck!!

[Aceetobe]

Fdk.'s are perfect flowers, therefore no male and female. You'll be able to tell from the column.