Can a Phal *replace* a broken spike? - Orchid Board

Val · #1 02-01-2012, 08:13 PM

It certaily looks like my Phal Patricia Lillian (P. Veitchiana x P equestris) actually replaced a broken spike.

This is the story: About 7 months ago I managed to break a new spike. It was less than 3 inches long and it broke at about 1 inch from its base.

I noticed that it had only slightly split the leaf base, but then decided to emerge above the leaf base instead of beneath (through the leaf's axil).

Several months later, thinking that the stub might somehow prevent the future spike (above it) from growing well, I took a pin and pierced the stub several times in its lowest section, the one barely visible through the split in the leaf. I was hoping to make the stub dry faster and maybe even be able to remove it later on.

Well, two months later a new spike emerged right next to the old stab. I never heard of this. I thought that when a spike gets broken, the Phal just "abandons" that "eye".

BTW, this is the Phal that grew 14 keikis last year...

WhiteRabbit · #2 02-01-2012, 08:43 PM

I once broke a very small spike on a Phal - very shortly after there were THREE! new spikes starting at the same spot from the spike I had broken

I don't know how common it is for this to happen, but it does - I have thought it may depend on how big the spike is when it's broken ?

Val · #3 02-01-2012, 09:15 PM

Interesting.
I could think of a certain experiment

But I don't have the guts to break a young spike on purpose, just to see how many will take its place. Any takers?

Bud · #4 02-01-2012, 09:25 PM

Two weeks ago, I had a 6 inches spike and broke it accidentally by dropping it on the sink...only 2 inches is left...I will see what happens...

WhiteRabbit · #5 02-01-2012, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Val

Interesting.
I could think of a certain experiment

But I don't have the guts to break a young spike on purpose, just to see how many will take its place. Any takers?

hehe - I had the same thought, but like you don't think I could bring myself to intentionally break a spike ...

---------- Post added at 06:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:29 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

Two weeks ago, I had a 6 inches spike and broke it accidentally by dropping it on the sink...only 2 inches is left...I will see what happens...

gl! let us know what happens!

Val · #6 02-01-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

Two weeks ago, I had a 6 inches spike and broke it accidentally by dropping it on the sink...only 2 inches is left...I will see what happens...

Looks like the spike was young enough to qualify for the experiment.
Sorry for the broken spike. Now you can turn its loss into an interesting experiment.

silken · #7 02-01-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Val

Interesting.
I could think of a certain experiment

But I don't have the guts to break a young spike on purpose, just to see how many will take its place. Any takers?

My thoughts exactly!

RosieC · #8 02-03-2012, 04:50 AM

I've seen it happen. I cut off a very small just starting spike on a phal that had lost it's roots. Soon after another started right next to it. I think if they loose them that tiny they can replace them in the same place.

camille1585 · #9 02-03-2012, 05:08 AM

Me too, seen it happen. I broke a spike when it was still very short trying to get it unstuck (it grew twisted and jammed itself into the 'crotch' of the leaf). A few weeks later there was a new spike starting.
If a Phal wants to bloom, it will bloom!

calypsoB · #10 03-28-2012, 08:27 PM

SOOO??? What happened?? I just broke a stuck baby spike...So I'll let you all know if it regows. I hope so since this is my very first spike