Cymbidium "Sabre" Leaf
 

I have this Cymbidium that has grown a weird "Sabre" looking leaf.

I have seen this before, but I wonder if somebody else has seen this phenomenon, and if somebody knows why this happens.

I have outlined the "sabre" leaf in red for easy spotting in the photo below:

http://crseeds.com/images/rodrigo/CymbSabre.jpg

Thank for any insight on this.

Regards,

Rodrigo

Looks like a new leaf that hasn't unfolded yet to me but maybe someone else can chime in if that's not the case. I've never had a leaf stay like that, they just always start out that way.

Hi Alyons,

I thought it was a leaf that had not opened yet also. But, I've seen it grow for months now, and if you look at it closely, there is no place in the whole "Sabre" that looks like it is opening. It is completely sealed solid all the way through.

Well, I thought it was somewhat awkward. That is why I wanted to see if anybody else has had that experience.

Regards,

This happens sometimes with different plants and may in fact be an artifact of the tissue culture/pod culture work. I've seen this a few times in material I raised from flasks. Not a big issue and usually only happens once on a plant.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your insight.

Does that mean this phenomenon happens only when reproducing via tissue culture?

When this happens, it seems that is the end of the pseudo-bulb growth. As no more leaves can grow from it.

I wonder if any species Cymbidiums have shown this type of leaf behavior in nature.

Regards and thanks,

Rodrigo

As I said either from tissue culture clone or from seed pod germinated plants from flask. I don't usually see it from divisions or from back bulb germinated plants. And yes it seems to come off the pseudo bulb ..

Open it up when you first see this happening and you can usually stop it, as the other leaves are inside - just cannot get out. At the stage your photo shows, carefully cut the growth off with a sterile razor blade just above the new eye at the base of the growth and a new, normal growth will emerge. :goodluck: Using the strength to keep this abnormal leaf is a waste of energy for the plant. Better to kick it into new growth mode.

You can also cut a couple of inches above the base and gently remove each leaf, one at a time. A little more surgical skill may be required. :twocents:

CL

Good point Cym Ladye
Thanks,
Rodrigo

yes, I had a cym do this last year - I found it curious, and didn't realize til to late that I should have cut it open - the foliage 'inside' rotted - fortunately not a horribly big deal to me ;)

I'm glad you posted about this, as I have learned something about it!

Yes, mine was rotted inside too when I opened it :(
But not a bid deal either, the plant is doing fine.
Regards,

Rodrigo