Peristeria elata, off cycle

[Suzanne17]

Here is the state of my Dove orchid today...It seems to be off cycle. When I bought it (arrived 8/21) it was in bud with one bud- I didn't know the bud would then sort of divide like this. I count 10 flower buds, and there are 2 new growths starting, and one junior growth growing rapidly. The spike is about 3 feet tall. The plant shed two leaves and then stopped...kept one last leaf. It will be lovely to enjoy this in the fall. I'm not sure when to expect the buds to open.

[CPKidofAugusta]

Where did you order it from? If it came from somewhere in the southern hemisphere, the plant would think it would be spring.

[Suzanne17]

Originally Posted by CPKidofAugusta

Where did you order it from? If it came from somewhere in the southern hemisphere, the plant would think it would be spring.

I got it from a seller in Wisconsin - I don't know what his source was.

[Suzanne17]

How long do the buds on these plants take to open? Just out of curiosity...I have no desire to rush things, but I'm wondering how I will get this plant back on cycle too. It has two new growths that are doing well- both have roots and are growing rapidly but are very small still and not bulbous at all yet.

[Bud]

It is late in bloom (it should have opened its flowers spring/summer) the leaves are already in autumnal mode....the 3 ft spike is normal....the flowers will start opening from the bottom towards top....it will start within 3 weeks....it takes a week for the flower to fully open and then fall off....it has a strong fragrance of Jasmine and lilies....give it bright light this winter (Cattleya lighting) cold nights at 60F and 80F in daylight hold fertilizer until in the warmer months ....if possible give it outdoors in the summer.

[Suzanne17]

Originally Posted by Bud

It is late in bloom (it should have opened its flowers spring/summer) the leaves are already in autumnal mode....the 3 ft spike is normal....the flowers will start opening from the bottom towards top....it will start within 3 weeks....it takes a week for the flower to fully open and then fall off....it has a strong fragrance of Jasmine and lilies....give it bright light this winter (Cattleya lighting) cold nights at 50F and 70F in daylight hold fertilizer until in the warmer months ....if possible give it outdoors in the summer.

Yes, I know it's off cycle. Once the bloom is done, does the spike get cut off? I can put it under the light then. I imagine the other leaf will drop at some point as well?

[Bud]

when you notice the spike turn brown, cut it an inch from the base....all mature leaves will fall off, but you will see new little keikis appear some on the base of the bulb but sometimes you will find them sprouting on top of the bulb where the leaves have fallen off.
You can also find additional culture tips from my past thread on this orchid plant.

Peristeria elata (Dove Orchid)