Psychopsis spike just keeps on growing

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

This is going to be a conversation piece when it blooms. The flowers on these are fantastic.

I killed mine last winter and am tempted to give it another go. June, didn't you post a thread a long while back about another one you had that you saved from near death? How is that one doing?

EDIT: I just noticed this is an old thread from last year. June, is this the same plant that you struggled with but ended up, saving?

Yes, this is the same plant...delivered in spike, but who's appearance was overall rough looking with twisted growth, shriveled bulbs, and a very poor root system. She managed to bloom once. The rest of her buds blasted, her spike dried up, and it was all downhill for the remainder of 2008.

If memory serves me she began initiating new growth in late, late Winter or early Spring. As the temperatures warmed her growth stalled and her growth phase completely stopped this Summer. Everything seemed fine until the hot, muggy weather kicked in. I'm debating whether or not I should check the roots and do a re-pot now...or wait. It's difficult for me to gauge the proper time to do anything with this plant.

[jaxorchidman]

These are gorgeous!! I have one that just got done blooming and is sending out new bloom pods. Always in spike or bloom!!!! How often do thesesend out new spikes??? I have three Bulbs with two spikes so I'm ok right now. You know what they say though.....the more the merrier.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by jaxorchidman

These are gorgeous!! I have one that just got done blooming and is sending out new bloom pods. Always in spike or bloom!!!! How often do these send out new spikes??? I have three Bulbs with two spikes so I'm ok right now. You know what they say though.....the more the merrier.

Mine puts up a new spike as soon as the newest pseudo bulb matures. Number 4 just showed up this week! I'm ecstatic!

Al

[ohanahana]

hey all! i just rescued this--i think it's a psychopsis?--the foliage is split. it's sitting in a little warm water for now. what a STRONG plant!!!

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by ohanahana

hey all! i just rescued this--i think it's a psychopsis?--the foliage is split. it's sitting in a little warm water for now. what a STRONG plant!!!

Hi,
Yes, it is a Psychopsis, the alba (really yellow) form of one, quite possibly Psychopsis papilio. Going to be difficult to tie it down for sure.
They are strong plants and the split leaves won't hurt it as far as growing is concerned.

Good save!!
Al

[ohanahana]

YAY!THANK YOU AL!! whoooWHOOO!!!

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by ohanahana

YAY!THANK YOU AL!! whoooWHOOO!!!

You're welcome.
Be careful with the watering. I've found they like to go a bit dry before watering. Also, watch that you don't get water on the pseudo bulbs, especially late in the day, as they tend to rot easily if too wet.
These are just my observations for my growing conditions. Please don't take it as "law".
Al

[Don Perusse]

I have one with 3 pseudobulbs and a 4th now forming. One spike that just finished blooming but it branched out at the top and now I have two buds forming. One on original spike and one where it branched off near the top. Yipee!

[Phyrex]

These guys tend to do this crazy stuff. Hopefully it'll bloom soon.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

I have one with 3 pseudobulbs and a 4th now forming. One spike that just finished blooming but it branched out at the top and now I have two buds forming. One on original spike and one where it branched off near the top. Yipee!

One of the spikes on mine had double blossoms last time around. Looks like a single one this time but the other two spikes are also budded. They do seem to do strange things as they get older.

Al