Cymbidium Tommy 'Sweet Lime'; spike??

[Orchid Whisperer]

I only grow a couple of Cymbidiums - this one was sent to me by a fellow Orchidboard member - PaulB. It is the first Cymbidium I've owned; I recently acquired another (not quite blooming size yet).

This plant has not bloomed for me before. This new growth is a bit fatter than previous leafy growths. It is at the right time of year for a spike. Opinions please - is this a spike, as I tend to think? Or is it another leafy growth?

[Orchid Whisperer]

(Bump) 45 views, no opinions?

[silken]

My thought is a new growth. I had 2 Cyms, but now have one which is in full bloom. The spikes look more rounded and while still fat, not quite that fat. But I could be wrong.

[rbarata]

My guess is a new growth.
Why? Because usually new spikes, while fat as silken said, they are pointy and they never have what seems to be several new leaves at the end, like yours have.

This is a spike:

[Orchid Whisperer]

rbarata and silken -thanks for your posts. I guess next growing season. I will re-pot and try again.

This winter I am keeping the plant outdoors except when it will be below freezing at night. Below freezing, it moves to an unheated open garage (probably will go indoors if it gets really cold). It is getting close to full sun, and I am hoping to keep it in full sun next spring and summer.

I'll try giving it one more good season to bloom. If no luck, I may try to find a better home for it.

[silken]

I keep mine outdoors all summer and while not getting full sun all day, it gets a lot of sun in the morning and later in the afternoon, with dappled light at mid day. They are heavy feeders in summer, more so than many orchids from what I have read. So I do try and fertilize it well. Mine stays out till nearly freezing in the fall and by now pretty much always has 2 spikes. My other one tested positive for CMV virus, and while it bloomed beautifully, I wondered, because the leaves were so splotched. So it is in orchid heaven now.

[rbarata]

I'm not sure how your climate is but usually cymbs don't like full sun in summer. Bright shade is ok.
About temps, temps near the freezing point are ok if not exposed to wind (or breeze) and frost.
Mine are in my flat's north balcony, freezing temps during half of the night in winter.

Anyway, yout hybrid might have slightly different requirements so take these words with caution.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I only have my first one also so I have no idea what it is. I am still waiting for mine to have some get to this size and then I am sure I won't know what they are.

At least it is growing something.

[Cym Ladye]

DEFINITELY A SPIKE!

Spikes are round and feel a bit hollow at the tip when gently squeezed. Growths are flat and solid all the way through.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

DEFINITELY A SPIKE!

Spikes are round and feel a bit hollow at the tip when gently squeezed. Growths are flat and solid all the way through.

Well that's one encouraging vote! Judging based on light transmitting through the growth, it seems a bit hollow at the tip. It isn't flat, but not totally cylindrical either. Sort of biconvex in cross section.

I will keep treating it as I have been - growing outdoors in cool conditions.

Rbarata - thanks for the light and temperature suggestions. Regarding temperature, our night temperatures can sometimes vary 5 degrees (rarely as much as 10 degrees) from predicted temperatures when cold fronts move through, and due to humidity, frost is common below freezing, which explains my caution. I will stick to my usual bright-end-of-Cattleya light in summer, rather than increasing it.