Psychopsis spike just keeps on growing - Orchid Board

Junebug · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 08:56 PM

I received this Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' the first week in July. I love the pattern on the leaves. They are somewhat twisted in appearance and I'm not sure how to remedy this. The spike appears dry but continues to grow longer each day so I'm hoping it will eventually bloom.

addictedcountryman · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 09:12 PM

holy moly. that will be a very cool photo when it blooms.

Bird Song Farm · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 04:26 AM

Your Psychopsis looks great! Keep on doing what ever it is you are doing!
The spikes on these things usually end up at about 3 feet BUT they can reach 5 feet!
Not to worry about the leaves, let 'em do what they want to.
Good Growing!!!

AL

philoserenus · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 01:03 PM

twisty leaves happen and itz perfectly fine, just when the leaf was growing, something probably just got in the way thatz all. so it'll be fine. dun wry, no biggy

Chubidubi · #5 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 01:15 PM

Remember to show us a pic when it finally blooms.

**Don Perusse** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 09:23 PM

Been on my wish list for quite some time. Good luck with yours. Don't forget the pics!!!!!

Junebug · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008, 09:01 AM

Thanks everybody. I'm not sure if or when it will actually bloom or when it produces new growth. The existing Pseudos are a bit shriveled. At any rate, I need to get rid of all the butterly/bug clips and use plain green ties to showcase the potential bloom/blooms on this one.

Roly0217 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 03:09 PM

Junebug mine started blooming after the 12th node. The second spike is on the 10th node and it's starting to look flat already which means that it's close to start blooming. I also have a new growth that started a couple of weeks back.

gixrj18 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2008, 12:35 AM

I think butterfly orchids look better with a natural spike (no stake and ties). It adds to the effect, because it sways in the wind like a real butterfly. They have pretty strong spikes that will usually support the weight just fine. I have one mounted that has three 40" spikes hanging horizontal, and two more (in pots) with vertical spikes, and they all support their blooms. Don't cut the spike, after it blooms, because it will keep on blooming from that spike over and over again...one right after the other!

Junebug · #10 (**permalink**) 07-24-2008, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junebug

Thanks everybody. I'm not sure if or when it will actually bloom or when it produces new growth. The existing Pseudos are a bit shriveled. At any rate, I need to get rid of all the butterly/bug clips and use plain green ties to showcase the potential bloom/blooms on this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roly0217

Junebug mine started blooming after the 12th node. The second spike is on the 10th node and it's starting to look flat already which means that it's close to start blooming. I also have a new growth that started a couple of weeks back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixrj18

I think butterfly orchids look better with a natural spike (no stake and ties). It adds to the effect, because it sways in the wind like a real butterfly. They have pretty strong spikes that will usually support the weight just fine. I have one mounted that has three 40" spikes hanging horizontal, and two more (in pots) with vertical spikes, and they all support their blooms. Don't cut the spike, after it blooms, because it will keep on blooming from that spike over and over again...one right after the other!

Thanks for the helpful information. I'm relieved to see that other Florida residents have had success with this type. This is my first Psychopsis so I'm a bit insecure. I purchased it on-line and it was pretty dried out when delivered. All of the pseudos are shriveled to some degree and a few of the lower sheaths are dry which may or may not inhibit flower production. I don't really know.

It appears that both of you have had your plants for some time. Do the Psychopsis produce new psuedobulbs while they're in spike? My spike is continuing to grow but there is no evidence of fresh pseudo production at this time. There is a bit of overlapping on the shriveled pseudo and this might be an eye with the potential for further development. These psuedos look a bit bizarre and it's hard for me to tell. I've included a photo for reference. There's a dry black spot on the area in question with the questionable eye being a little above and to the right. I'm not going to fret over the black spot. It's not spreading and appears to be an old scab from a previous problem.