Spike? Spike? ... bulb? - Orchid Board

Tabbyblack13 · #1 01-12-2014, 07:39 PM

I have three orchids right now that are doing something I haven't seen before. The first pic I added is my white Sogo and I think it's a spike. The second photo is may also have a spike that is on my NOID phal that I mentioned in another post that I though it might have a virus (just leaf damage).

If these are spikes then this will be the first time any orchid has ever done that for me. I'm curious to see if you agree with me.

The third one is my Cat Mystic Lady 'Lime Morning'. Its putting something out but I don't have a clue as to what it is. Can someone tell me?

RandomGemini · #2 01-12-2014, 08:03 PM

No idea!! But, IMO, any growth is good growth, so congrats!!

RandomGemini · #3 01-12-2014, 08:05 PM

It may not be a spike. The cattleyas that I have seen bloom, usually put their spikes at the top of the bulb, not the bottom like this, but if it is a spike, I'll be so excited for you. The name makes this one sound like it blooms with green flowers, if so, I can't wait to see it! I've been looking to add some good greens to my collection.

MattWoelfsen · #4 01-12-2014, 08:18 PM

The first picture is a Phal. Sogo, you said--it is still too early in development to tell, I'm guessing it is a spike--due to its upwardly pointing direction. But it could turn out to be a root. The second picture of your NOID Phal. is a spike. The third picture you said is a Cattleya. Spikes development at the tip of the pseudo-bulb, which is what this is. Congratulations!

mattryan · #5 01-12-2014, 09:32 PM

My opinion is first one not sure yet, but second spike and lastly a new lead not a spike. Cattleya's do not spike that way. They spike from the middle of the leaves. Good luck post some pics.

Cheryl

Dart21 · #6 01-12-2014, 09:41 PM

IMO; First too early to tell, though if it were mine... I would be counting on a spike. Second, definitely spiking and third pushing a new pseudo bulb (great nonetheless).

Congrats on your wonderful new growth and soon to be flowering Phal/s :-P.

hagfish · #7 01-12-2014, 10:35 PM

I have found that with phals it is rather hard to tell the difference between a new root and a flower spike. As the growth elongates, look for a root tip. It will end in a sharp point and be some color other than green. The third photo probably shows a new growth. Cattleyas nearly always bloom from a flat sheath which sits at the base of the leaf where it joins the pseudobulb. Very few Cattleyas actually bloom directly from the rhizome.

Tabbyblack13 · #8 01-12-2014, 11:24 PM

My Catt might have a new pseudobulb? Yes! I bought that one 6 months ago as a "seedling" size that was supposed bloom in 18 to 24 months. It might be on its way. So far I've only seen roots coming off of them.

The sogo pic (1st one) doesn't show it but there is a red tinge on the "spike" but the roots and new leaves are the same way. So it's up in the air right now. Which I don't want because I want to use that phal to be a parent plant. I want to cross my sogo with the tadia kings Caroline.

I'm not sure I want my NOID blooming since it's roots are still in rough shape. I would prefer it to put energy into growing.

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Dart21 · #9 01-12-2014, 11:43 PM

Some may think it's sacrilege, but if it needs root development and you confirm in a couple days that it is indeed a spike... chop it.

In bonsai, I have to do this with some of the beautiful blooms often. This is the first time I've let my Satsuki Azalea bloom... and I probably won't give it very long.

---------- Post added at 10:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 PM ----------

Reviewing the first and second pics again... i would definitely take both to be spikes, the direction in which they're growing really wouldn't make sense for a root unless you've been keeping to medium water logged and grossly overdue for repotting. It just doesn't look like a root-tip to me in either.

james mickelso · #10 01-12-2014, 11:59 PM

Spike....spike....new pbulb. Roots grow down and are round at the end whereas spikes look like this. Kind of flattened somewhat. The catt is a new growth from the newest pbulb. Catts throw spikes from the top of the pbulb.

---------- Post added at 10:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 PM ----------

Let your azalea bloom. When finished, cut the branch back almost to the base to ramify it. You need the trunk to thicken and the branch to divide into smaller branches and cutting it waaaayyyyy back after flowering is the best way to accomplish this. If you want a nice thick base graft/inarch some of the lower branches onto the base of the trunk and let them grow. Scrape off the upper new growth when it appears until the base and lower trunk gets thicker or you will never achieve any taper to it. I grew bonsai for over 40 years. Lots of secrets.