Spike question

[Lil Bit]

I've heard it said that the only silly question is the one not asked. So here we go:

I've got 3 noid phals, each in spike with blooms. I recently purchased another noid phal and just realized that both the spikes on the new plant are forked. I mean that each spike appear to have additional spikes so that they look like a branch of a tree.

Does that mean that this new plant is older or happier or that the spikes have developed spikes of their own or ??? (Is that snickering I hear out there? )

Another question is one that I've never heard mentioned before: How long can orchids live? I have several house plants that I've been living with for over 20-25 years. I'm just the curious type.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Rita

[Ross]

First question: sometimes that happens. It's nothing to worry about and can happen on newer (younger) plants as well as older. It's not a tendency, so might not happen again. Second question: not sure, except with dendrobiums (for me) they live about 1 month after I get them I have very little luck with Dendros except with D. superbum which doesn't do anything but get bigger and bloom heavier year after year. As to longevity - no clue. Think about it, if they didn't die, what would we buy next? We'd have to expand the house or greenhouse to allow space, hmmm

[Tindomul]

I don't think of tropical plants as having set lifespans. You get new leads, and new growths that take over the old, and you could end up with a plant 50 years from now that is not the same, but is at the same time. The only plants I know that die of natural causes are big trees and annuals. Correct me if Im wrong.

[Frdemetr]

You are right, Tindo; while the rizome is continuous growing, a pbulb grows, blooms (or not), lasts for more or less 4 years (sometimes 8 years in big Laelia purpurata plants!) and dies; at least in sympodials orchids, the plant has not a fixed life span. I think in monopodials something similar occurs, but in vertical way

[smartie2000]

Some phals have a tendency to have branching spikes which means more blooms

Orchids have an indefinite age. Some plants have been in culture for centuries. When the monopials are too old they will send basial keikis and keiki on their stems to insure their survival.

[markr]

On the lifespan of orchids - It's sort of like the old story of the guy replacing rotten planks on his boat every year. 20 years later he realizes that none of the planks on his boat are originals and he wonders if this is the same boat he had 20 years ago.

[Tindomul]

See, who doesn't want to be a plant. Especially one that has been pampered for centuries in Botanical Gardens, Kew. You get to live forever, have lots of food, water, and sex. Who could ask for more?

[Djarum Black]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

See, who doesn't want to be a plant. Especially one that has been pampered for centuries in Botanical Gardens, Kew. You get to live forever, have lots of food, water, and sex. Who could ask for more?

What no booze? Pfft

[Tindomul]

Who needs booze when you get fertilizer and rooting hormone

[smartie2000]

Neofinetia falcata cultivars have also survived the centuries as well...they have been divided many times...and selfings aren't consistent with the leaf variegations, so propagation of a certain cultivar had to have been division