Are Psychopsis spikes known to grow slowly? - Orchid Board

YetAnotherOrchidNut · #1 09-28-2021, 08:28 AM

I see some growths on my Psychopsis which I think are spikes, they look similar to new pesudopods but are much skinnier, have different tip shape and grow out at a different angle from the existing pods, almost at a 45 angle away from the plant. I can also see what is clearly a new pseudopod, and the shape is quite different.

Assuming the growth I see are spikes I notice they seem to be growing super slow. Is that to be expected? Could it be temperature related maybe?

Ray · #2 09-28-2021, 08:44 AM

It can be temperature related, but, yes, they are relatively slow, so be patient!

Never trim them, either, as the plant can rebloom on old spikes for years.

YetAnotherOrchidNut · #3 09-28-2021, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

It can be temperature related, but, yes, they are relatively slow, so be patient!

Thanks. Ok, so I wont panic or get out the heat-mat just yet then. Cheers again.

WaterWitchin · #4 09-28-2021, 10:24 AM

Like watching snails race.

camille1585 · #5 09-28-2021, 10:38 AM

I'm surprised by the comments, because my experience with my only Psychopsis is that the spikes do develop rather 'quickly' for an orchid. I didn't pay attention last year when it grew a spike, but I think it was much faster than a Phal. Good to note however is that it developed during an unusually warm spring and summer... And I can't remember how fast the previous ones were, but I don't recall them being slow.

It's a really great orchid, the spikes on mine last 5-8 years. Sometimes the growing tip dies and the top of the spike dries out, but don't cut it until it's completely dead and dry because they frequently branch out under the dried out tip portion.

WaterWitchin · #6 09-28-2021, 10:51 AM

My three took FOREVER to get that first spike up to actually bloom. All were originally pretty young psychopsis. The first one to put out a second spike on same plant, I did notice it was quicker to reach size than the first spike. Maybe plant maturity?

camille1585 · #7 09-28-2021, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

My three took FOREVER to get that first spike up to actually bloom. All were originally pretty young psychopsis. The first one to put out a second spike on same plant, I did notice it was quicker to reach size than the first spike. Maybe plant maturity?

Could be maturity related, I've had mine for 11 years now! (And it's been exactly 11 years, I had to look up the order confirmation email and I ordered Sept 28th 2010!)

WaterWitchin · #8 09-28-2021, 11:10 AM

Yes, my "oldest" is only five years old. You probably just can't remember back to when yours was young.

YetAnotherOrchidNut · #9 09-28-2021, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

I'm surprised by the comments, because my experience with my only Psychopsis is that the spikes do develop rather 'quickly' for an orchid. I didn't pay attention last year when it grew a spike, but I think it was much faster than a Phal. Good to note however is that it developed during an unusually warm spring and summer... And I can't remember how fast the previous ones were, but I don't recall them being slow.

It's a really great orchid, the spikes on mine last 5-8 years. Sometimes the growing tip dies and the top of the spike dries out, but don't cut it until it's completely dead and dry because they frequently branch out under the dried out tip portion.

Ok, maybe ill get the heatmat out after all. My desk is next to these plants, and they get fresh air from an open window which can be a bit fresh even if its a bit early for heater to kick on. I dont open if it is too cold outside.

I agree that the Psychopsis is a special orchid, especially for me as its one of the ones I have killed as I was learning (pure sphagnum and my house don't mix in the cooler months). I long for a time where my current ones have more than one spike going. :-)