Cymbidium tracyanum spike development
 

This is, admittedly, something of a boring picture. But considering that I carelessly broke the developing spike off last year when moving the plant around, I'm pleased that my Cymbidium tracyanum has forgiven me (or so I'd like to think) and is currently producing a robust spike. It appears to have stopped growing vertically and is now beginning to arch over nicely. The spike was produced a little late this year, but hopefully some of the buds should be open by Christmas--assuming I can keep my natural inclination to clumsiness in check for just a little while longer.

Steve

That's looking good. I keep my fingers crossed for you. If you have to move it, let someone else do it for you.

Woooo!!!! Awesome!

That's probably a good idea. :-)

Flowers! Yippy!
 

All but one of the buds have now opened. The fragrance is good, although not extravagant, and reminds me of some sort of fruit (peaches?). Although this species probably isn't overly fond of our hot and humid summers, it's proven to be quite adaptable. The lip is covered in these nifty fiber-optic looking hairs; hard to see from a distance, but kind of cool up close.

Fantastic!

Kim

Beautiful, and graceful. I like the description of those "fiber optic hairs." Fits perfectly!

WOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Fabulous!

I like tracyanum its very forgiving and adaptable plant. I'm growing it in the subtropics here and it does quite well despite the heat. One small plant has a spike with flowers opening any day now.

That's excellent, and you're completely correct in that it's an adaptable and forgiving species. When I first decided to try and grow this species I thought I was beginning a probably quite foolish experiment. Our summers are very hot and humid, and since this is a fall-blooming species I didn't think it would get cool enough for the plant to initiate spikes. But it's really surprised me for the last several years with its ability to overcome the disadvantages of growing and blooming in this environment. Good luck with your spike.

Steve