Spike formation picture anyone?

[Pinkcat]

Hello,
I was eying my plants outside and noticed what I think may be a spike forming on my ascda. blue tarouhin (sp?). It is where a spike should grow, and looks almost like something green got stuck in the leaf. Does anyone have a picture of a vanda/ascda spike just poking it's head out? All the pictures I find are of more advanced spikes...

Also, are these prone to bud blast? I am going to be really mad if it blasts and would like to do whatever to prevent it.
Thanks a bunch!

[cneos]

I have my heart set on Ascda. Blue Tahourdin but haven't been able to find one yet from my 'usual' sources. I'm especially interested in the clone 'Bronze Grape'.

To your question, vandae spikes emerge from the axils, seeming to be growing out of the base of the leaves - a new inflorescence looks as you described. At this small size, it is not prone to bud blast, but be aware of other situations that can cause problems. If your plant is generally healthy and insect free, sit back and let mother nature take its course.

And please do post progress pictures!

[Pinkcat]

Woo hoo! I thought I would never get these to bloom as it isn't super warm here, but I guess it likes it in the GH. This is the bronze grape variety...Exotic Orchids of Maui: Ascda. Blue Tahourdin 'Bronze Grape'
Feel free to feed your addiction too...I got mine here in July. I would recommend them if you are looking.

[nancy]

These are photos of the first blooming of this Blue Tahourdin 'Bronze Grape' - what is it called when a plant has been overly-mericloned to the point where it mutates? I believe this has happend in this case. I sent photos to EEoM, not because I want another plant, but so they will know about it.
I will be curious to see if subsequent blooming produces different flowers. These are extremely small (22mm or so), and very nearly peloric. Some flowers have petals or sepals missing, and some are differently colored from the rest. All in all, very odd, very disappointing.
If it continues to produce such bad flowers, it will either go to the swap table (hate to do this to a friend, though), or into the compost bin!
Cheers - Nancy

[telipogon]

You often find first blooming flowers on Phals peloric, but i can't say I have ever seen it on a Vanda. I guess it's worth waiting for the next blooming to see whether it puts itself right.

[cneos]

IMHO, I don't see peloricism in these flowers but rather damage that may have occurred as the buds were developing.

As buds mature, they are sensitive to extremes of temperature, humidity, drafts, etc. Some may 'blast' right away, while others look perfectly normal until they open.

The edges of sepals and petals of your flowers appear to show signs of having had too much moisture (and maybe too much heat) during the bud stage. As cells along the edges are damaged, the flower is unable to open normally and can give the flower a peloric or odd appearance.

Once damage has occurred as the bud is developing, there's no cure. Try to recap what might have happened in your growing environment to prevent this from happening again on the next flowering.

'Bronze Grape' is a wonderful clone. I wish you better flowering the next time around. Happy growing.

[cb977]

I'm also thinking what happened with your plant is an environmental or culture issue, not peloric. Hopefully, your next blooming will do much better. Don't get rid of it before you get a look at the next set of blooms, it has the potential to be a stunning 'chid!