Could it be, is my Phal gigantea actually growing a spike?

[camille1585]

I'm fairly certain that this is a spike nubbin, but I had given up hope of ever seeing one, so I just had to share my excitement with you!

I got this Phal gigantea back in 2014 I think, as a seedling. Larger plants are really hard to find, and also rather expensive. I grow it in a pot, propped up in a corner of the shelf because the plant is too top heavy to stay upright. It gets much brighter light than what Phals usually get, probably closer to Catt light than Phal light.

If it looks like it's bareroot in the pot, it's because that's the case. It was due for a repot, but because of the mass of roots coming out from the holes and which mounted themselves to the saucer below, I picked out all the bark and intended to replace it with leca, but then the covid-19 situation started and I don't want to go to the garden center to buy any. I might actually leave it bareroot, it seems to enjoy the air flow and nearly daily watering.

Anyway, if this spike actually grows I'll update this thread with photos!

[billc]

Could be. Could also be a root. Good luck!

Bill

[camille1585]

It's rather pointy and the sides are flat, and it looks quite different from the many new roots I've watched the plant produce over the years. There's a new root also starting (can sort of be seen in the photo, above the suspected spike). Unless it's some sort of mutant root, my money is on a spike.

[Brian1212]

It must have felt quite trapped in it's pot, wants to break free. Now it can produce some roots which it is lacking.
If that is a spike the plant is in far too bad shape to sustain it. If I was you I'd hope it isn't a spike. The good news is it looks very much like a root to me. It needs 10 times more roots and a couple of proper leaves before that should be thinking about investing any more energy in flowers.

There are places selling very nice very cheap fully grown examples these days but you are right that postage is 22 euros to you.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Brian1212

It must have felt quite trapped in it's pot, wants to break free. Now it can produce some roots which it is lacking.
If that is a spike the plant is in far too bad shape to sustain it. If I was you I'd hope it isn't a spike. The good news is it looks very much like a root to me. It needs 10 times more roots and a couple of proper leaves before that should be thinking about investing any more energy in flowers.

There are places selling very nice very cheap fully grown examples these days but you are right that postage is 22 euros to you.

I'm not sure how you can judge the quality of the plant and root system from a photo which only shows a small part of the pot... It has a lot more roots than those that are visible, both in and out of the pot. And it has 3 leaves, with a 4th one starting.

About it wanting to beak free from its pot, I do realize that these prefer to be mounted, but they can be grown potted with great success. The challenge is in dealing with the top heaviness of such a large, hanging plant. Seeing as each new leaf is larger than the previous one, I'm pretty such it's happy plant.

Yes, I have seen that some place have larger BS or NBS plants nowadays, but it was not the case 6 years ago, and I can't justify buying a duplicate of a plant I already have and which has finally reached a similar age as the ones now available for sale.

PS: I'll admit it's an ugly plant, the old leaf "bracts" on the stem look untidy, the exposed roots are a bit dry looking, and 2 leaves are all pitted from a spider mite attack 2 years ago (all thanks to my Catasetum who shared it's infestation with its neighbor)...

[AnonYMouse]

Spike or root, you will know soon enough. It's not like you have a decision to make.

Here's hoping it's a spike.

[DirtyCoconuts]

this is where i clash with the "orchid show" mentality about these plants...i think that is BEAUTIFUL...it shows the scars of living in nature and the amazing way the plant adapted to its micro climate and all the obstacles it overcame...its part of why i don't like to cut anything off these plants...its all part of the story.


I joke that the orchids at shows are like Pinterest people or Instagram...skillfully edited to only show the pretty stuff. I enjoy perfection but i seem to be so unsuccessful at finding it that i enjoy the imperfect

can we see the whole plant Camille? i recently got one of these and she seems sullen and uninterested in growing so im interested in seeing them happy