Odd ? broken spike, now 3 new spikes at same location ? - Orchid Board

WhiteRabbit · #1 07-15-2010, 10:04 PM

So - Phal No I.d. - my first time breaking a spike

After breaking the spike, there now appears to be THREE (!!) new spikes growing right behind the broken one.
Is this usual ? unusual ?
The previous spike on this plant did have several branches on it - so perhaps this is the branching habit causing this - like maybe it is growing the branches that spike would have had, had I not broke the spike ? I'm not complaining, just find it curious

PaphMadMan · #2 07-15-2010, 10:34 PM

A little unusual perhaps, but definitely in a good way. You've got a happy plant that just happens to branch easily, growing strongly and making the most of the broken spike. Please show us pictures when it is covered in flowers. Good growing!

marydaniellesantos · #3 07-15-2010, 10:40 PM

It does sound unusual... But it looks happy! So maybe it was an older spike, and knew that you didn't mean to break it? Lol.

WhiteRabbit · #4 07-15-2010, 10:48 PM

LOL - I got this plant, and it's twin (2 in one pot) at the farmer's market last summer. Mostly I kill Phals quickly - but this was $4 so I thought I would have a go.
It is a happy easy grower and bloomer I guess. This plant - the spike just kept growing and blooming all winter and spring til I repotted a few weeks ago. Then the spike died,, but very soon after it started this new spike which I broke - then this cluster of spikes shortly after breaking the other. I had been watching and hoping for another spike on it (it's twin has two spikes now), but didn't expect a spike from the same leaf axis,, much less 3! Who knew?!

zxyqu · #5 07-16-2010, 03:22 PM

If it's branching that easily I can't wait to see the end result. Each will likely branch again as they grow, giving you likely at least 2 branch points, and lots of blooms. Congrats.

nenella · #6 07-16-2010, 03:56 PM

WOW! That's amazing! I've never heard or seen this anywhere. Very interesting & unusual. Thanks!
I can't wait to see the spikes grown & flowered. Please do keep us posted on what she does.

WhiteRabbit · #7 07-16-2010, 05:37 PM

I will keep you updated - this plant seems to be a sequential bloomer, so I don't think it will have spikes loaded with blooms all at one time, but still could be very nice - interesting at the very least.

Thanks for your comments everyone - I thought this was unusual - but my Phal growing has been mostly limited to killing them

nenella · #8 07-16-2010, 06:07 PM

I'm dying of curiosity, what colour is it?
& you are obviously getting very good now at growing phals!! Congrats!

WhiteRabbit · #9 07-16-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nenella

I'm dying of curiosity, what colour is it?
& you are obviously getting very good now at growing phals!! Congrats!

hehe - aww thanks

Yes, I think I am figuring out what Phals want finally! This one has the advantage for me of not minding that I keep the house cool in winter - it just kept growing and blooming anyway

small blooms, very delicate pink

pix from last year

nenella · #10 07-16-2010, 07:06 PM

Very nice! Thanks! it reminds me of equestris. Looking forward to seeing the 3 spikes in bloom & a pic of the whole plant if you have the time.