My 'Sweet Sugar' Is Misbehaving - Orchid Board

AaronM · #1 04-26-2008, 12:39 AM

My Onc. 'Sweet Sugar' which I purchased last fall seems to be acting strangely. It was blooming when I bought it and the pb that had the spike was growing up and out of the pot with several aerial roots. After it finished blooming I separated the floating pb and repotted it along with its mama. By February both mother and daughter had new pb's going strong.

This is when I discovered the wonderful world of mounting. I mounted both portions together on cork bark and the have been doing quite well. Both new pb's are healthy (although Jr.'s is half sized) and have plenty of new roots.

Now, (late April) instead of spiking, both plants have new active eyes forming.

Is this normal? Did someone forget to tell my orchids that the growth cycle is grow then bloom then grow again?

Does this mean I'm not getting any of my favorite "dancing ladies" this year?

Thanks for any information you can give me about this little dilemma.

AaronM

razka3 · #2 04-26-2008, 09:05 AM

Mine sent out new growth along with a spike. I thought that was kind of strange, but was told that is quite normal. Maybe you have a spike coming still. You purchased it in the Fall, when it was blooming, so maybe it won't spike again until late summer?

Also, I think I remember reading somewhere or hearing from someone that oncs. need a minimum of 3 pb's in order to spike? Something like that maybe... I'm sure someone will be along who can answer your questions better than I can.

AaronM · #3 04-27-2008, 12:14 AM

I will say this for my naughty plant. The new growths are exactly where they need to be in respect to their orientation on the mount. They will grow right where I need them to fill out he mount.

Orchidaholic · #4 04-27-2008, 01:21 AM

It could go either way for your Onc. It may bloom later this year or it may take it till next year to adjust to its mount to spike. Even orchids like to be comfortable to show off! :lol

AaronM · #5 05-06-2008, 12:01 AM

I guess I may have to be content with the plant being healthy and growing nicely into the mount this year.
Oh, heck, I am not content with that. I want, no I NEED my dancing ladies waiting for me when I get out of the shower in the morning!!
The only one of my orchids to bloom so far this year is an Onc x Leuch cross with flowers that look like bugs wearing aprons. Sure it sounds cool, but it's not pretty!

AaronM

nenella · #6 05-06-2008, 05:39 PM

well would be nice to see a photo of this "not so pretty!" orchid! I like your monted photo of your Onc. ! looks very cool!!!! apart from that ......Patience !...i't will flower 'one' day & if it keeps looking as healthy as that i am sure youll have a spike before the end of the year! keep us posted would love to see it in "full" glory'