Spike does not bud - Orchid Board

dianecty · #1 06-10-2008, 12:03 AM

Hi! I have a phal (I think) that has a spike. I have had it since March 2008 and it already had a spike when I got it. However, it has not budded. It still looks the same, with the same spike. What could be wrong with it? I did cut off some rotted roots but the spike is still ok.

What should I do?

Thanks

Diane

snow · #2 06-10-2008, 12:09 AM

have patience. lol

Dorothy · #3 06-10-2008, 09:54 AM

Is it a hybrid or species Phal?

Can we see a photo of it?
In my humble opinion (IMHO) I would leave it unless you find the orchid is severely stressed ..

Chubidubi · #4 06-10-2008, 10:18 AM

Some plants take their precious little time LOL so just be very patient.

quiltergal · #5 06-10-2008, 12:39 PM

A picture would be helpful.

jkofferdahl · #6 06-10-2008, 01:11 PM

If the spike is still green and healthy looking, then it's fine. Sometimes they take their time. Orchids seem to do things at their own pace rather than at ours.

Moving the plant to your home has caused it to need some time to acclimate to a new environment. The change could be a cause of the slowing in growth. Also, light and temperature levels can cause the same. What sort of light does it get? You might try moving it to where it gets a little more. Also, Phals really love a nice, warm day with a bit of cooling in the evening. What I do in my house is in the evening I turn my AC down pretty well (I live in Georgia, after all), then in the morning, before I go to work, I turn it up about 8 or 10 degrees.

Finally, is the plant also growing a new leaf? The orchid spike/blooms are essentially just a kind of specialized leaf for the plant. If it's also growing a real leaf then it may be focusing energy there. Consider a light spraying of fertilizer just on the leaves to give it a little boost.

dianecty · #7 06-10-2008, 03:53 PM

Hi! Here are some pix I took to show you all. Thanks for your help!!! The world orchid population would probably be extinct without all your help!!!

jkofferdahl · #8 06-10-2008, 05:12 PM

There's quite a burn on one leaf. Maybe too much light?

The stem looks healthy, and like it's ready to go. Keep it moist - the material it's in will dry pretty quickly. My guess is that it'll soon get going.