Hopelessly stalled spikes on my Phal. lueddemanniana - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 06-22-2015, 01:07 PM

I think I know the answer to this, but can anything be done to encourage stalled spikes to start growing again?

I got a Phal. lueddemanniana last september, and shortly after that it started 3 spikes. 2 stalled after growing about an inch, while the third one grew for a couple of months, to about 5-6 inches, and then also stopped growing. I thought that it didn't like my winter conditions, and hoped that they would start up again in the spring. So I've been diligent with water and feeding, and it lives in a south facing window, behind some other orchids (so very bright light), about 23-26C and roughly 60-70% humidity.

It's now late June, and while it has grown a ton of roots and 3 leaves since last fall, those spikes aren't budging. In fact, there are now 2 NEW spikes growing, so I know it's a happy and healthy Phal! Does that mean that the plant has given up on the previous spikes? I just hope that the new ones don't stall as well! Am I missing something in its culture? (more light/warmth/humidity/singing songs to it?!?)

Sure would be an awesome sight if it were to bloom on 5 spikes!

dangerouseddy · #2 06-22-2015, 01:16 PM

I dunno the spikes on mine have stalled too, been the same size for the last couple of months. has grown lots of new roots and two new leaves.

id be happy to hear any suggestions on how to get it growing the spikes again but fear i'll just have to leave it alone and be patient.

think i'll try increasing light and warmth. not expecting much as these are the first spikes on this plant and its not that big.

the blurry photo shows the weedy little spikes.

Joseia · #3 06-22-2015, 11:55 PM

I have no idea if my Phal. heiroglyphica is like yours, but I had one spike stall last winter. It is now growing again with buds forming. This plant bloomed with two spikes last summer, grew out a new spike that stalled, and in early May started to grow a new spike and the stalled spike started to grow also. All four spikes are growing again, some with branches and buds. So I would not give up hope as long as it stays green.

camille1585 · #4 06-29-2015, 04:12 AM

No one has experience with this species?

dangerouseddy · #5 06-29-2015, 04:19 AM

I did a bit of searching and saw on a Singapore forum they couldn't get it to bloom. think they said they needed the lowland variety from the Philippines rather than the highland variety. don't know the difference myself.

strange that forum is the only place ive seen it mentioned, done a search and find no other mention.