Its a spike!

[shakkai]

Was just fiddling with my Phrags this evening, and I've got a spike!! Phragmipedium Andean Fire [(besseae ‘Mont Millais’ 4n x besseae ‘Franz Glanz’ 4n) x lindleyanum] has a spike just peaking out.

Now comes the wait... how long?? This was a seedling I bought, so it will be the first time blooming - and its going to take every bit of patience I have!!

[whygreenberg]

Hey hey! Congrats! Very exciting. Can't wait to see the pics. Good job!

[shakkai]

Yvan, I am really excited about this one - its the first Phrag I've been able to bloom on my own. I just hope I haven't jinxed myself by posting about it too early!! So many things could go wrong! Worry, worry, worry!!

[Ross]

Can be a while on some, but maybe yours will be quicker than most of my Paphs? It's amazing to watch the, almost daily, advance of the spike and unfolding of the blossom. Congrats.

[kiki-do]

Oh how wonderful! You might as well take pics as the spike grows and keep us all posted. I would love to see the progression.
My next purchase is a phrag besseae. I have one on hold, but have no idea how big it is.
Lots and lots of patience, huh? It will be so worth it!
Keep us posted!!!!!

[shakkai]

You can bet I'll be checking on it every day until it opens! I hope it doesn't take too long...

[Tindomul]

Very cool! A nice hybrid too! Can't wait to see it.

[shakkai]

At this point, you can't even tell its a spike unless you look down in the crown of the plant. But the hairy stem is clearly visible below the leaf 'guard' - and holding it up to the light, I can see the outline (and bulge) of the flower (probably only one, as its the first flowering of a seedling) inside the leaf 'guard' (is there a technical name for this? bract, perhaps?).

Here's what it currently looks like. I'll post more photos as it progresses - just so you all can help me have patience!

[Chococatte]

Don't know the technical name, but I'm excited for you!

[Ross]

I'm agreeing, it's a spike. Seen them many times. Good growing!