My collection 2013 - Orchid Board

The Orchidist · #1 10-03-2013, 03:03 PM

Hello , i have 2 phals and 2 encyclia cordigera that i have changed to clay pebbles media and they seem to like the change and new roots are emerging . I wondered about the spike on the phals though is it the one that emerges between the leaves and looks like a mitten , and do all orchids decide themselves if it will have 1 or 2 spikes ?.

Leafmite · #2 10-03-2013, 03:39 PM

If it has a mitten shape, it is a spike. You will know for certain soon. I have roots that go up like that so, without a close look, I don't want to judge.
I have no idea what brings about double spikes but I suspect it is higher light and excellent culture...and age. My noID phal is giving me two spikes this year.
You have a nice collection! Good luck!

RosieC · #3 10-03-2013, 03:49 PM

I would guess it's a root from the look, but Leafmite is right, if it has a mitten shape it's a spike otherwise it's a root and it's difficult to tell in the picture.

Island Girl · #4 10-05-2013, 10:15 PM

Yea, I would say its a root as well... But I can't see it too well from your picture, so I'm not 100% certain on that.

Ferns Daddy · #5 10-05-2013, 10:19 PM

Nice collection

The Orchidist · #6 10-10-2013, 04:39 PM

changed my setup abit , added a couple fans for air circulation , and decided to repot again this time with a mix of sphag moss mixed with the clay pebbles . If you see anything i could do better let me know .. I also created a humidity tray with hydrroton balls and water and also placed a heat mat under all of this to keep the roots warmer .
Lights are T5 6400k on 14 hrs a day on timer .

suggestions are always welcome

tucker85 · #7 10-10-2013, 06:07 PM

You phals look very healthy. Good growing.

Bud · #8 10-10-2013, 06:31 PM

Nice set-up....it looks like root than a spike by comparing the tip of the new root to the color of the older root....a double spike is not decided by the plant. you can decide to have two or three spikes....its the longer length of daylight span and the day and night temperature drop....I made a double spike by giving my Phal. Sogo Yukidian longer daylight (12 hrs) and a temperature in the day of 80F and 55F at night and when it spiked, I continued regular daylight and temperatures as my other Phalaenopsis. The nitrogen has to be omitted in the fertilizer when it is about to spike. There are other factors as Leafmite mentioned: culture, environment and maturity and age of the orchid.

The Orchidist · #9 10-10-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

Nice set-up....it looks like root than a spike by comparing the tip of the new root to the color of the older root....a double spike is not decided by the plant. you can decide to have two or three spikes....its the longer length of daylight span and the day and night temperature drop....I made a double spike by giving my Phal. Sogo Yukidian longer daylight (12 hrs) and a temperature in the day of 80F and 55F at night and when it spiked, I continued regular daylight and temperatures as my other Phalaenopsis. The nitrogen has to be omitted in the fertilizer when it is about to spike. There are other factors as Leafmite mentioned: culture, environment and maturity and age of the orchid.

I just bought some 20-20-20 the other day and will see what results i get , i was not aware of cutting back on the nitro , when spiking occurs what fert do you go with ?. thnx

IncurablePlantHead · #10 10-10-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg2100

changed my setup abit , added a couple fans for air circulation , and decided to repot again this time with a mix of sphag moss mixed with the clay pebbles . If you see anything i could do better let me know .. I also created a humidity tray with hydrroton balls and water and also placed a heat mat under all of this to keep the roots warmer .
Lights are T5 6400k on 14 hrs a day on timer .

suggestions are always welcome

WOW!