Training Oncidium 'Sharry Baby' spike - Orchid Board

KarenR · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 09:00 PM

Hello everyone, sorry if this is a stupid question but my Sharry Baby is in spike for the second time since I have had it and the first time it bloomed the spike probably grew 4 feet before it started to open its blooms.

I am now in a smaller growing area and was wondering if there is a way to train the spike around a wire or something so it did not reach such heights. Maybe a looped or circular form? The spike does seem pliable but I am still hesitant to disturb it by forcing it around a wire.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. It is now growing between my lights and I need to do something quickly.

cb977 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 09:26 PM

Hi Karen

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I don't think I've ever heard of that being done but if it can be accomplished, somebody here will tell you how to do it

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Tindomul · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 09:59 PM

I don't see why not. When I was training my Sharry Baby Spike, the top 3 inches were extremely flexible, and would go any which way I would tell it too. I told it to go straight up rather than towards the window. I bet it would work. Try it! After a few days, the part you tied will be hard and stiff and fixed in that position, all you have to train is the growing end which is soft and flexible. Good luck!

Phalguy · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenR

Hello everyone, sorry if this is a stupid question but my Sharry Baby is in spike for the second time since I have had it and the first time it bloomed the spike probably grew 4 feet before it started to open its blooms.

I am now in a smaller growing area and was wondering if there is a way to train the spike around a wire or something so it did not reach such heights. Maybe a looped or circular form? The spike does seem pliable but I am still hesitant to disturb it by forcing it around a wire.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. It is now growing between my lights and I need to do something quickly.

Hello!

I had the same problem with a phal... so I used a small fold-back binder clips around the spike just to weigh it down... after a few days, you move or add more clips to add more weights.... I PUT THE CLIP AROUND THE SPIKE..... NOT ON IT !!

It worked like a charm !

orcdfrk · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 11:21 PM

Thats a great idea.

thakshila smith · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 05:18 AM

4 feet is rather big thing. Some times it goes more than that. But Few flowers on it. one day one of my spikes were broken in the end of it..My aunt was weeping.

But it started to grow again.......gave flowers too..

My mom use to pinch at the end point to get flowers .\but I think no one of you will have that idea.

Toddybear · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 08:28 AM

Funny, I have a Wilsonara Kolibri an Onc. ornithorhynchum hybrid) that normally has a well-branched spike about 18" long but right now the spike is unbranched and nearly 4 feet with no signs of any buds...it just keep elongating. I expect it might have some flowers later but probably very few. Does the Onc. ornithorhynchum parent cause this phenomenon?

thakshila smith · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 05:47 AM

to get a branch just pinch it in the end of spike. If you like?

My mom does it!!

thakshila smith · #9 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 05:06 AM

Todd. did you pinch the end of that spike .what happen to it. I think its due to shades.