Zygopetalum - one new growth beats out another
 

I purchased a Zygopetalum Jumpin Jack last June that was in spike when it arrived. After the flowers faded, I repotted the plant and noticed that it had two new growths at the base of the more mature growth that had just bloomed (picture). I had assumed they would both develop, but was surprised when one of the new growths stayed small, while the other one matured and is now in bloom again.

I feel like I have seen this with some of my other plants - what appears to be two new growths only to have one of them stall out. Can some of the experienced growers comment on the phenomenon?

I really can't be too disappointed, though, because the current blooms look and smell great. I'm just curious more than anything.

I think that's it matter of resources... it's a fairly small plant. It puts its effort into one growth, but if that one fails, it has a backup. it very well may develop after the first one is done. Time to just see what it's going to do.

Thanks, Roberta! As a newer grower, almost all of my plants are young and small, so this likely explains why I have seen this happen more than once. It's great to know that there is still hope for the growth that stayed small. If it wakes up and blooms I will have to post again.