2nd time lucky, everyone keep those fingers crossed!

[Jennyfleur]

Hey there OB

Isn't this a great time of year? I've got 4 pleione bulbs starting to grow their flowers, 5 coelogyne spikes, my phal mini mark who's new spike is coming along and a paph which looks like it's got a bud forming in the fan but is growing so slowly, it's toture.

However, even though all of this is very exciting, there is something else which is far more important ......

A couple of days ago I noticed one of my big phals is starting a new spike (so too small for a picture yet). "What's so exciting about this?" I hear you say. Well, the end of last year I managed the break off its last spike when it was only about 5 inches long because I fiddled with the stake when I shouldn't have done. BUT, here's the rub, I have no idea what colour the flowers are! I bought this one cheaply out of flower and last autumn's spike (that broke) would've been its first for me.

So, now that I have another chance to discover the secrets of this mystery phal, please everyone keep your fingers crossed that I can see it through to flowers - and I welcome regular prods telling me to stop fussing and to leave it alone!

[Discus]

Put a little warning DO NOT TOUCH label on the plant to remind yourself when tempted

[Jennyfleur]

Tee Hee, I might just have to do that!

[RosieC]

Good luck, hope you have better luck this time, just be careful of it

[camille1585]

Nice to have so many blooms to look forward to!! My orchids don't like me very much lately, there's not much wanting to rebloom.

And stay away from that Phal!!!!

[mollycart1]

Haven't we all done it before? When I used to grow under the florescents lights, I tried to reach out to check whether or not the plant is in bud and/or in spike. Not only did I break the spike growing next to it, but also I cut my finger at the edge of the light cover. It left me a big scar on my index finger.

That's how I learned not to touch it any more.

[quiltergal]

LOL, maybe we all need to practice Naoki's pain therapy to keep from snapping our spikes.

[mollycart1]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

LOL, maybe we all need to practice Naoki's pain therapy to keep from snapping our spikes.

Back to your topic, Jenny. My fingers and toes are crossed for you. Be sure to post the pic.

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

LOL, maybe we all need to practice Naoki's pain therapy to keep from snapping our spikes.

Well, I haven't set up any razor-wire around it, but there is one saving grace this time - end of last year I had a reorganisation and so this one is now in the spare room which doubles up as an office and not one of the main rooms. So, the less painful 'out of sight, out of mind' approach will be tested.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll keep you posted x

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I have 'loved my plants to death' or curiosity killing the 'catt'. I killed the buds of my Ctt. Loddiaca because I opened the sheath and peeled it off.... poor buds, now I have to wait till next springish to see the flowers!