Cymbidium spike or pseudobulb?

[gabiborza]

Hello everyone. This summer I decided to expand my collection, since I only had phals, so I bought a paph and a cymbidium . To my surprise, both of them are preparing something nice for me.
The paph is flowering, but I'm not so sure about the cymbi. What do you say, is it or is it not a spike?

[Wrebbitrocks]

i have the same question too, are these spikes?

[RosieC]

I'm new at identifying Cymbidium spikes, but I think both could be.

Once they are that size you can tell by gently squeezing them (very gently). In a spike you can feel that it's sort of hollow but with something at the center (the buds forming). With a new growth it will be quite solid feeling.

I was really suprised to realise that a growth on my new Cym was a spike not a growth, seeing as it already had 4 other spikes which were further developed (and showing their buds). I'm still not sure about the ones on my older cym though as they seem to have stalled at a much smaller size than both your pics show.

[camille1585]

Looks to be a spike since it has a somewhat rounded tip, but like Rosie suggest, a gentle squeeze should let you know what it is.

[Ruby Mars]

This past spring I bought a cymbidium from my local botanical garden. It's my first one. I have phals and dendrobiums. The cymbidium's leaves are slowly turning brown and then they are easy to pull out. It's in a window with dappled sunlight and I spray it as often as I can. And yes I am relatively new to orchid growing but I am deterrmined not to let my cymbidium die. SOS!

[Wrebbitrocks]

i thought spraying can be bad if overdone because it stays on the leaves and rots them. idk. put up pictures and im sure the experts (not me) could help.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you're in the northern hemisphere, it's the correct time of year for a spike.

They look like them.

One of mine has spiked already and the buds are about to develop.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Ruby Mars

This past spring I bought a cymbidium from my local botanical garden. It's my first one. I have phals and dendrobiums. The cymbidium's leaves are slowly turning brown and then they are easy to pull out. It's in a window with dappled sunlight and I spray it as often as I can. And yes I am relatively new to orchid growing but I am deterrmined not to let my cymbidium die. SOS!

If it's older foliage only, it might be normal shedding of older foliage. I don't think you need to "spray" (mist?) it. Keep potting media moist, but not soggy. While indoors, give it as much light as you can. Put it outside after threat of frost has passed in spring, if you can. It can be difficult to give them sufficient light indoors. And many cyms require a period of cool nights (less than 50 F) in fall to initiate spikes - yours may, or may not, need it ...

[phearamedusa]

Originally Posted by Wrebbitrocks

i have the same question too, are these spikes?

I think the taller one is just a growth, while the shorter one maybe a spike. The reason I say that is the first one doesn't look as "full" as the second. Also, my spikes usually don't have a sheath like a cat does, by the time it is that tall, I saw buds. I may have just been lucky with the cymbids I got. If they are spikes, be careful not to keep them too warm, or else you will suffer bud blast. Mine did that shortly after the buds were visible.

[gabiborza]

An update on both plants. What do you think about the cym now?