Expert Opinions Needed

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Ocelaris

I have noticed when there is a leaf missing, the roots tend to shoot out of there almost instantaneously... maybe for some reason it didn't care for that spot and headed back in... but the flower spikes almost always start from a healthy leaf axis and don't usually "bust out" like the roots do, they kind of pop up and before you realize it are already half way out of the leaf area.

I've included another photo taken on 5/15. Ironically, it looks like it was bigger 2 weeks ago. I'm so fixated on this one bump that I sometimes don't notice what's going on around it. In this close-up it shows partial tear damage to the leaf above as well. The damage and leaf loss were probably a result of a sudden storm with gusty winds. This baby was hanging from an Orange tree last year and may have struck a limb during a storm. Anyway, I'm thinking damage can result in kieki formation...right??? ....and the color and texture of the bump is like the plant itself. There has never been an appearance of smooth, bright green glossiness that an emerging root usually displays. "Momma Vanda" from which this cutting was taken, was a keiki producing maniac, but very beautiful. This one has keikied once before, near the base of the plant, during it's early growth. My life was more than hectic at that time and I don't recall how the keiki looked at the onset of formation. Here's another photo that gives a better visual of the texture and color.

[Ocelaris]

Very well could be a Keiki if it has roots growing all around it at a much more rapid pace... only time will tell!

[bellini girl]

Well now, I have an opinion...expert it isn't though In my humble opinion, it looks like a root. So good luck with the wait. All will be revealed soon I'm sure

Lecent

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Junebug

In mid April I posted a thread similar to this one. The thread was in reference to a mature Noid Vanda (originally received as a cutting with 2 roots) that has never bloomed for me. I began giving it more light exposure in early April and it started producing a small growth in a space where a leaf had been. Most OB responses suggested a root. Unlike a root this growth has not changed much in 6 or 7 weeks. It has never looked like a root to me. It's smaller and firmer and harder than a root and it's growth has ever so slightly changed. I'm including some new photos taken from different angles along with root photos from the same plant. Should I begin to get excited about the prospect of a first bloom spike or might this be the beginnings of a Keiki. What do you guys think this time? Photo #4 is a for sure root and the frog is looking at another root in #5. The first three photos show the growth in question as well as #5 above the frog.

A few days ago I noticed yet another mystery bump on my Vanda. This one is located just below the slow growing bump that presented itself in early April and has the same texture and appearance as the plant itself. In addition to the mystery bumps, the plant has produced 2 rapidly growing roots within the last 3 weeks. What is going on here? Wouldn't it be wonderful if these are multiple spikes. Has anyone ever had a Vanda produce 2 spikes from the same side at the same time?

[Don Perusse]

I had one that was similiar but what happened was that it split into two to produce two leads. Not really a keiki as there are no roots where the split occured. Mine now looks like 3 heads. One growing to the left, one to the right, and the original in the middle. I will try to take a pic. over the weekend. One can never predict exactly what orchids are capable of.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

I had one that was similiar but what happened was that it split into two to produce two leads. Not really a keiki as there are no roots where the split occured. Mine now looks like 3 heads. One growing to the left, one to the right, and the original in the middle. I will try to take a pic. over the weekend. One can never predict exactly what orchids are capable of.

Thanks for your input Don. I'd love to see your photos. Did your multiple head production delay the bloom cycle? You don't know how bad I want this baby to bloom. I'm starting to hear the song "Anticipation" playing in my head. This plant is the result of a cutting I received about 4 years ago. The original Noid was such a sprawling beauty with gorgeous blooms. We've had such a dry spell in Central Florida so I purchased an inexpensive mister and have been misting for 10 min. 2 or three times daily for the past 2 weeks and am fertilizing weakly every week with a urea free bloom booster.

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[Roy]

The top bump seems to be coming from the right spot to be a spike the lower one could be anything. The one thing I noticed about the plant is that it is a "semi-terete" and requires a LOT of light to grow and particularly "flower" well. I trust that its getting it.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Roy

The top bump seems to be coming from the right spot to be a spike the lower one could be anything. The one thing I noticed about the plant is that it is a "semi-terete" and requires a LOT of light to grow and particularly "flower" well. I trust that its getting it.

Last year she was getting about 4 hours of dappled SW exposure. I moved her to a new location several weeks ago and she's now receiving about 4 to 5 hours of full East to SE exposure which is pretty close to what her momma got.

[Roy]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Last year she was getting about 4 hours of dappled SW exposure. I moved her to a new location several weeks ago and she's now receiving about 4 to 5 hours of full East to SE exposure which is pretty close to what her momma got.

That change of position will make a lot of difference for the better in coming seasons. It was way too shady before. It may take a while for it to show but it will be worth it.

[JennS]

What ever became of the nubbins? I am very curious!!!