Cymbidium spike or pseudobulb?
 

Hello everyone. This summer I decided to expand my collection, since I only had phals, so I bought a paph and a cymbidium . To my surprise, both of them are preparing something nice for me.
The paph is flowering, but I'm not so sure about the cymbi. What do you say, is it or is it not a spike?

i have the same question too, are these spikes?

I'm new at identifying Cymbidium spikes, but I think both could be.

Once they are that size you can tell by gently squeezing them (very gently). In a spike you can feel that it's sort of hollow but with something at the center (the buds forming). With a new growth it will be quite solid feeling.

I was really suprised to realise that a growth on my new Cym was a spike not a growth, seeing as it already had 4 other spikes which were further developed (and showing their buds). I'm still not sure about the ones on my older cym though as they seem to have stalled at a much smaller size than both your pics show.

Looks to be a spike since it has a somewhat rounded tip, but like Rosie suggest, a gentle squeeze should let you know what it is.

This past spring I bought a cymbidium from my local botanical garden. It's my first one. I have phals and dendrobiums. The cymbidium's leaves are slowly turning brown and then they are easy to pull out. It's in a window with dappled sunlight and I spray it as often as I can. And yes I am relatively new to orchid growing but I am deterrmined not to let my cymbidium die. SOS!

i thought spraying can be bad if overdone because it stays on the leaves and rots them. idk. put up pictures and im sure the experts (not me) could help.

If you're in the northern hemisphere, it's the correct time of year for a spike.

They look like them.

One of mine has spiked already and the buds are about to develop.

If it's older foliage only, it might be normal shedding of older foliage. I don't think you need to "spray" (mist?) it. Keep potting media moist, but not soggy. While indoors, give it as much light as you can. Put it outside after threat of frost has passed in spring, if you can. It can be difficult to give them sufficient light indoors. And many cyms require a period of cool nights (less than 50 F) in fall to initiate spikes - yours may, or may not, need it ...

I think the taller one is just a growth, while the shorter one maybe a spike. The reason I say that is the first one doesn't look as "full" as the second. Also, my spikes usually don't have a sheath like a cat does, by the time it is that tall, I saw buds. I may have just been lucky with the cymbids I got. If they are spikes, be careful not to keep them too warm, or else you will suffer bud blast. Mine did that shortly after the buds were visible.:((:_(

An update on both plants. What do you think about the cym now?

They look like spikes to me.

Yup, sure looks like a spike now!! :cheer: Can't wait to see pics of both of the plants in bloom. :)

Thanks all. The paph is almost opened :biggrin:. I'll post more pics when it fully opens.

Even from the first photos, THESE ARE DEFINITELY SPIKES!
Note the rounded appearance and the slightly rounded top. They will also feel a bit hollow at the tip, but do not squeeze too hard!

New growths will feel flat and hard and by the time your first photos were taken the leaves would have become quite definitive.

You might visit the Cymbidium section of this Forum and browse the recent discussions on spike questions for more information.

CL

Thanks cym ladye. At this point I'm definetley sure that it is a spike, I'll just have to wait and see the flowers. And boy, it is a long wait!!

my cymbidium did develop into 2 spikes. im hoping for blooms by january :D hopefully they dont blast since im mving next week

Hi everyone. Just wanted to update you on my cymbidium spike. It is looking great so far, well worth the wait.

:congrats::high5:
woo hoo! I can't wait to see bloom pix! :)