Strange Ascps occurance...

[chaucigirl]

I didn't know if this posting should go under vanda or phal alliance. My Ascps. Irene Dobkin that I bought in Maui about 2 years ago is doing something strange. It has what appeared to be a new leaf growing but it is long and tubular in shape. It doesn't appear to have a seam and it is pretty long now and I don't think it could even become a leaf. It has healthy new roots growing and flowered this year when it was supposed to. Everything appears to be great, except this! Any ideas what my plant is doing???

[Shadow]

Can you post photos? I know few people who's Ascps. Irene Dobkin bloomed from where the new leave should grow. For some reason the growing point becomes a spike. The plant won't grow any more from that growing point, but it may give keikis and you will have few plants with few growing points.

[chaucigirl]

Here is a picture of the plant. As you can see it is not a spike, but a leaf that is mutated or something. It has grown several new leaves since I purchased it. All of those were normal and in excellent condition. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks

[smartie2000]

I haven't seen anything like that before. Very interesting

[Shadow]

Well, once I had the same problem with my dendrobium. The new leave was tubular. I think it is some sort of mutation. The bad thing is that the new leave inside it will be damaged. I opened the leaf on my dendrobium using the scalpel and the new leave was already there and damaged. I would suggest to make the cut from top to bottom to open it.

[chaucigirl]

I was worried about that. This is the time of year when new leaves should be growing out. My husband actually said I should cut the leaf (He is NOT an orchid person!). I was sceptical when he sugested it. Did your den return to normal growth after the initial few leaves grew out? I am going to try that and see what happens. If nothing else, it won't hurt it! Thanks for your input!!!

[Shadow]

Yes, everything was normal after operation. The next leaf was wrinkled, but it continued growing. But don't cut it from the plant, just make a cut from top to bottom with sterile instrument to open the leaf.

[chaucigirl]

Well I am going to go operate right now!!! Thanks for all your help. I will let you know how it turns out!

[Shadow]

You are welcome . Good luck!

[chaucigirl]

Just wanted to let you knowthe operation went well. There was a new leaf just starting to come out. It looked normal. Thanks again for your input!