New Flower Spike?!?!?! - Orchid Board

Wynter010Beauty · #1 06-08-2010, 12:16 AM

Hey everybody,
I've recently had a problem with fungus gnats, and during some research on here, I decided to switch to S/H 2 weeks ago. I just returned home from being out of town over the weekend and when I was watering my chid's, I noticed this on my first addition! If this is a flower spike, I'll be thrilled! This will be my first success with re-spiking (if that's even a term?). Thanks for your input!

Swamper · #2 06-08-2010, 12:20 AM

It's a little blurry but you sure have something growing there. Not much help I know. Sorry I can't help more. Either way it's a good thing.

Wynter010Beauty · #3 06-08-2010, 12:24 AM

Yea, sorry about the blurriness, I never knew it was difficult to take a picture of something so close up before haha. I realize it's good either way, especially because out of all 3 of my orchids, this one was the most infested with the fungus gnats.. So I'll be happy with whatever it gives me. I'm just hoping for a spike

Swamper · #4 06-08-2010, 12:28 AM

Yeah good luck with it Amber Marie

I love those little clay balls, it makes life a lot easier.
Also, you might want to get another opinion but I was wondering if there isn't just a little too much of the LECA? Or is it buried too deep? I don't really know, I'm just asking, hopefully some can clear that up for me.

Wynter010Beauty · #5 06-08-2010, 12:34 AM

I think I over-did it with the Leca when I first repotted them. I actually took a bit more of it out today when I was watering. I could remove more if you think that there is still too much. Thank you

Swamper · #6 06-08-2010, 12:40 AM

IMO I like to see it resting on it even though it's in it. Does that make sense? I don't like leaves or stem to stay wet too long. I feel like it's too close to the crown and I'd be concerned about crown rot. But PLEASE don't go by me. 90% of what I grow is bare root. So wait for some more advice before you change anything else.

Wynter010Beauty · #7 06-08-2010, 12:44 AM

Well thank you so much for your input! I did feel like they were too buried.. I think I just got Leca-crazy! I'll wait for other opinions, but thanks again

Bird Song Farm · #8 06-08-2010, 04:30 AM

Hi Amber Marie. It looks like a new root to me but what to heck do I know. A week or two will tell for sure.
AL

trdyl · #9 06-08-2010, 04:42 AM

I agree with Joe. I think it would be a good idea to remove a little of the LECA from around the base of the stem. I do grow in S/H.

Wynter010Beauty · #10 06-08-2010, 09:19 AM

thanks, i'll remove more leca. Do roots grow from inbetween the leaves? I've never dealt with re-spiking before, I just figured that a spike would come up between the leaves, not a root.