deformed Ascps. spike

[Ioana]

This is the second spike for this plant (Ascps. Irene Dobkon 'Orange Delight' x Phal Timothy Christopher 'Sakura'): both spikes have been malformed (see attachments). The plant otherwise looks quite healthy.

No pests seen, no history of trauma. At the time the first spike was growing, I had 2 other Phals in the same area whose spikes simply stopped growing and died: I attributed it to some degree of neglect (I had a rough semester of teaching, plants were allowed to dry out more than normal). However the majority of my Phals still spiked and flowered normally, and have continued to do so since.

This second spike occurred despite better care: is this still poor culture on my part, or is it possible this plant has a genetic defect?

I grow under LEDs in the house nearly year round; max/min temp is about 85/62F, humidity tends to be somewhat low (generally around 40-45%, rising when I water of course).

Thanks for any suggestions! This plant is headed for the compost heap if it's not my poor culture...

Ioana

[estación seca]

I would wonder about insects or 8-legged arthropods. Thrips are tiny little things, hard to even see. They love Vanda spikes.

[DeaC]

Are you posting the paw for scale(size,not bugs!)?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would wait another bloom cycle and see what the spikes look like.

[Ioana]

Thrips are possible (even using a magnifying glass I didn't see anything, but I may be missing them). But it's the only one affected now, and this is its second deformed spike.

Paw: my Australian Shepherd (with a tail) needed to see what I was doing .

Thank you for the suggestions!