Aerangis punctata SPIKE!

[soobie]

WooHoo! I think I've got a spike coming on my Aerangis punctata 'Barbara" x self! I treated myself to this plant for Christmas, and last month it started a new leaf, which I was thrilled about. I just noticed that it seems to be spiking now, too!

I had one of these years and years ago, but it didn't survive a move across the country. I've just started getting back into orchids again, and this is the first flower spike that has appeared under my care.

[natasha]

congratulations! every spike is a reason for a celebration

[nenella]

WOW! Congratulations!
I have one too & would love to know about your growing conditions. How often do you water? how much humidity do you keep it in & how much light? I'm asking as I have one mounted like yours - I received mine (first one of these ever) & I have had it just less than a month ago and It's already developping a spike too!
I dip it twice a day and keep it in a plastic 4.5 galon water bottle lined with Leca.
here's a pic of the spike :-

[soobie]

I have this at my office, in less than ideal conditions. However, since I spend 2/3 of my waking hours there, that's where I want my orchids! I have no idea what the humidity is. Normal office conditions.

I have it hanging from a pushpin on my corkboard. My office faces east, and I get some morning sun, but not directly on the corkboard.

I dunk it once (sometimes twice) a day, soaking it at least 10 minutes each time. I do put it in a spherical glass vase, covered with a watch glass, over the weekend so it won't dry out. (This is where my Aerangis fastuosa lives all the time). I may have to rethink this watering method when the spike gets bigger and flowers!

[nenella]

Hi Soobie,
So how's your spike doing? Can you post a picture to see how it's grown since your last post? Thanks

[soobie]

It's doing great! The first bud is clearly visible now, and I can see the spur starting to develop. I'll take a picture on Monday.

[soobie]

Here's an updated picture of my Aerangis punctata spike. It's developing slowly but surely, and the spur is clearly visible now. So much fun to watch it grow! It's been about 5 weeks now since the spike started.

[nenella]

Hi Soobie
All I can say is WOW! Excellent! It all looks mega healthy! big fat roots, nice swelling bud & growing spike tip!
Very Cool keep us posted - I reckon mine is a couple weeks behind yours in its blooming cycle.

[Tindomul]

Nice job, did it bloom?