Is this a Spike a Keiki or Other, on my hardcane Den?

[RosieC]

Thanks Terri,

The new cane is definately far bigger (about twice the height and fatter) than the previous one that was in flower when I bought it.

But I did not give it enough light till very late in the year, which means that while last time it was in flower in August, it's now already a lot later... and colder/dimmer.

My fear is that it will not flower well, or may even stall or blast, because our house is not kept that warm in the winter.

Anyway, we shall see. It's still growing at the momment so I hope it will be able to flower.

[Blueszz]

Hi Rosie,
last few days it was very dark and rainy in NL. The spikes on my Den's stalled, one aborted a bud. I notice that as soon as the sun shines, even when it's on and off during the day, the spike keeps growing and the buds get fatter. Last year a bought a warm growing Den. in December and I never got the chance to see it's flowers. That one is growing three spikes now. I hope I'll can see the purple blooms this time. Last winter was also a very cold one, I have double glassed windows but I got frost damage on an Oncidium Sweet sugar leaf! Let's keep fingers crossed for our warmer growing Den's.
I'm in doubt if I should put mine under lights, at least it's a lot warmer there (26,5 C during the day) but I'm in doubt the PL-lights emit enough light for these Den's.

Please let me know how your spike does, if it keeps growing etc. I wonder if we can bloom them this time of the year.

Nicole

[Hedge]

Hi Rosie

Well done on getting a spike! My purple phal type Den spiked from all three canes including a double spike on one and the house is currently between 19 and 23 during the day (sunshine through the glass makes a lot of difference) and going down to about 16 on cool nights maybe 17 in rooms where the curtains are closed. The flowers are great and I'm being cautious with the watering. The only problem I have is it keeps being knocked over - son 1 husband 1 (waiting for the dog!!)

[RosieC]

That's good news Heather, mine is at similar temps from the min/max thermometer I have, and the Den is in my brightest window (which is where it's been all year) so hopefully it will do Ok.

[RosieC]

The spike is still growing and the buds are now clearly forming

[Blueszz]

Yeah! In which location do you keep the plant? Mine are still in the South faced windowsill and also show the formation of buds.

[johnblagg]

I agree looks like a spke to me too. mine usually make keikis off the side of the canes but sometimes from the tip but almost always the side

[RosieC]

Blueszz, it is in a south facing window. We don't get much sun these days so I'm really glad it's still growing.

[Blueszz]

Hi Rosie,
same here... totally clouded the last few days and it won't be much better next week. Great to hear your's is still growing!

Nicole

[Hedge]

Well, it may be cloudy but the cooler days are resulting in lots of spikes here - all my Phals bar one and also both Colmanara "Masai Red" and one of the Odo. "Anna Claire" s - I divided a few plants this year and so far so reivigorated!!