phal spike - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 10-15-2009, 02:37 PM

I haven't had any experience with a phal whose spike is growing under a leaf--toward the leaf tip, as this one in the picture below is. Could someone please tell me how I should position the pot? In the picture, the spike is growing towards the light. I would appreciate your advice.
Vicki

RosieC · #2 10-15-2009, 05:17 PM

Personally I would get it lit from one side or the other to try and encourage the spike out from under the leaf.

I've also been known to use a loose loop of string to pull the spike towards a stake at the side. I tied it loosely and as the spike grew tightend it a bit at a time to encorage the spike to grow towards the stake.

No idea if that's an advised method, but it worked for me.

johnblagg · #3 10-15-2009, 05:52 PM

moving the plant so the light comes from one side or the other would work fine.I do this to mine all the time and oftem place it under a good light that is directly above it as soon as its past the leaf

OrchidSue · #4 10-15-2009, 05:54 PM

Yes, you can coax it out from under the leaf as RosieC says, but do it carefully or the spike can break off (ask me how I know

). Phal spikes tend to want to head toward the brightest source of light around.

Susan

Royal · #5 10-15-2009, 05:54 PM

One option is leaving it for now. Once it's long enough to bend a little, stake it upright.

Royal · #6 10-15-2009, 05:55 PM

Hey OrchidSue, what's your avatar? That's a rich color.

VickiC · #7 10-15-2009, 08:43 PM

Thanks for your help, everyone!!
Vicki

OrchidSue · #8 10-16-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Hey OrchidSue, what's your avatar? That's a rich color.

It's Phal. Equalacea that was made using coerulea varieties of equestris (cyanochilus) and violacea. The flowers are not blue, but are very dark for Equalacea. I love the color and the rose-like scent, not to mention it has been blooming since I got it the beginning of summer as a bonus plant. It has 2 spikes and a 3rd on the way. It does tend to bloom sequentially, though, with not a lot of flowers open at one time.

Susan

camille1585 · #9 10-16-2009, 03:44 AM

Why not just leave the spike as it is? My Phal Mini Mark never wants to grow spikes upright, they always go out to the side, and personally I think it looks great like that. But this is a small bloomed phal, so it doesn't need to be staked to support the weight of large blooms like some hybrids have.
And anyways I also avoid touching spikes at this stage, they're too fragile!

Hedge · #10 10-16-2009, 05:56 AM

I agree with most of the comments here, spikes usually work it out for themselves and will go upright when they can, although my large flowered white phal likes to trail and makes a beautiful display