Psychopsis Growth--Need Opinions

[ghuylar]

Hello,

This past year I acquired a psychopsis, as I have been told they are a staple in every growers collection. This plant, which can be seen in the attachments, was sold to me as blooming size, although it is quite small. The remaining leaf being approximately 3 inches long. Last week I noticed this small green growth emerging from the base (picture 1), and today I noticed the beginning of another small green growth on the opposite side (picture 2).

While it is difficult to see the second growth, I was hoping that those who are more familiar with the growth habits of this plant could help me in determining what these new structures are, ie. spike, root, or new pbulb.

Thank you for your input

[SouthPark]

Hard to say at the moment what it is. Maybe a new growth ----- the beginning of a new bulb.

The roots look a bit dry there, and the bulbs are a bit shrivelled. Could possibly be not enough water for this orchid.

Could keep it as-is in the same pot and medium, and just use a spray wand to water the media around the outskirts more. Such as each morning.

The detection of orchid growth activity is a good thing - no matter what that orchid growth is. What it is will become clear later, once it has grown more. And then you'll know what it is.

Also ..... could fill the sides of the pot a bit more ----- ie. put some more lava rock (scoria) into there. So that the lava rock on the sides can hold a bit of water when you do the watering.

[ghuylar]

Believe it or not, I actually do thoroughly water this plant each day! It has just always had a poor root system. The media it came in had gone bad and roots were nearly all dead. I am just hoping the green is a new growth as the plant needs new roots dearly. A flower spike would likely kill it as this point, hence why I am asking for help! If it does develop into a spike I may have to cut it despite it being a long long wait till the next....

[estación seca]

Oncidiums tend to root only with new growth. I doubt these are spikes.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by ghuylar

Believe it or not, I actually do thoroughly water this plant each day! It has just always had a poor root system. The media it came in had gone bad and roots were nearly all dead.

I see! The nice thing is that there's growing activity. A great sign.