Emerging primary Phalaenopsis spike curling
 

Hello friends!
My name is Natalie. I am new here and this is my first post! I am a plant enthusiast and particularly love orchids. I like growing, nurturing, re-blooming, rescuing and witnessing the seasonal cycles of my ‘easier to grow’ Phalaenopsis collection x12-14. I get just as excited about new healthy roots and leaves as I do spikes and blooms. Per my profile you will see I have interest in learning and experiencing growing other types of orchids and open to logical ‘next steps’ for someone like me.
I am reaching out today b/c I have a phal. with an emerging, primary spike curling (see photo). The plant is appears healthy (as evidenced by new healthy roots, firm leaves, receiving light, water, food consistent with others in collection—all w/ 1-2 spikes currently). This phal has been under my care for 1.5 yrs. There is also a secondary spike emerging. I am curious of others have experienced this and of this is cause for concern and if so how may I be proactive? Grateful for any feedback!

Welcome, Natalie! I've had a Phalaenopsis that did the same kind of thing with a curly, stunted spike. I don't think there is anything you can do. Any attempt to straighten it will break it. Mine ended up with two or three nice flowers that were just a lot lower and closer to the plant than usual. One thing I did learn from my research at the time I got the twisty spike is not to turn the plant in relation to the light source once it starts to spike. That may have had something to do with it in my case, since I used to regularly turn my plants, but sometimes, orchids will simply do what they want to do, in spite of our efforts.

I'm not seeing the secondary spike you mention? It's nice to hear you say you enjoy seeing healthy leaves and roots, too. I feel the same way. I love the flowers, but for me, it's about a lot more than just that.

P.S. You may want to choose a different user name than what looks to be your email address. Just saying. This is a public board. ;)

Thank you and Thank you, Cheri (working to edit username at this time). Great question: realized base of old primary (w/ emerging secondary) is hiding. I have marked it with an arrow in this second photo, it's to the right of the curling spike in question.

I will continue to watch and learn and report back and, Cheri, thanks for reinforcing my understanding about turning plants. I LOVE to move mine around, but do try to keep them in consistent sun facing positions when spikes are growing. Thank you.

(:

:hello Natalie. That wonky spike will just do its thing and hopefully straighten out a bit. Great previous advice as well. Post pix of bloom when you can. Welcome. :D

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Thank you! I certainly will!