Phal venosa - spike not growing - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 12:17 AM

Hi guys, I have a phal venosa (species) that has apparently stopped growing the spike it started several months ago. I am told this is a plant that doesn't like to be moved and I do carry the chids to the sink for watering.

What is the best thing for me to do? Cut the spike back? There is nothing that I can see wrong with the spike so I am a little puzzled.

thanks for any ideas, mary

shakkai · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 05:59 AM

I'm certainly no expert in this! But, I don't think that a brief change of location for watering would be a problem. I think when people say things don't like to be moved, they mean they don't like re-adjusting to new growing locations.

If it were me, as long as the spike isn't dying back, I would leave it alone. Sometimes it just seems to take forever for flowers to mature on a spike.

Lagoon · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 07:12 AM

I totally agree

Dorothy · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2007, 07:29 AM

I have a Phal lueddemanniana whose spike has stopped growing. In fact, the plant seem to take a bit of a rest since I had gotten it in the spring. It is only beginning to show crown growth now. Yeah! Finally!

I'd leave the spike.

LauraN · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 07:00 PM

I agree that I would leave it alone. I have had many of my phals do this and eventually they all seem to grow, for some reason they just seem to take a hiatus. I think they are just teasing us. You see a spike and get all excited and then they say, just Kidding!

Neverend · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 07:18 AM

LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!.......no wait, LEAVE THE SPIKE ALONE!

Sometimes the spike can become dormant due to environmental changes, unless the spike is not turning yellow (aka dying) you should leave it alone, when the plant is ready to flower again it can continue spiking from the old spike!

Sandy4453 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 08:47 AM

I agree with everyone here, leave the spike alone.

Changes in growing locations, ie., from greenhouse to backyard or patio to in the home, etc., these changes in growing environments can sometimes cause the plants to digress temporarily until they adjust to their new enviornments. Taking it over to the sink to water is not a problem.

I notice you're in Canada and the change in weather you're now having, can possibly cause the spike to stall. It may be re-adjusting to the drop in temperature.

ladyslipper · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 03:25 PM

Okay, thanks guys! On a slighthly different note but concerning spikingl how many of us have as was said earlier, been teased by seeing something that looked like the beginning of a spike, turn out to be another root (although we all love roots of course). I can almost hear the plant saying "Gotcha!" To which I reply "Trashbin"! To put the phal in its place. They don't know we would only toss in cases of extreme necessity.

love my phals! m

Ross · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyslipper

Okay, thanks guys! On a slighthly different note but concerning spikingl how many of us have as was said earlier, been teased by seeing something that looked like the beginning of a spike, turn out to be another root (although we all love roots of course). I can almost hear the plant saying "Gotcha!" To which I reply "Trashbin"! To put the phal in its place. They don't know we would only toss in cases of extreme necessity.

love my phals! m

I think you are kidding, but I NEVER argue with new roots. It's a sure sign somethings going right! While blossoms are our regular goal, I'll take roots over no growth any day.

ladyslipper · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsfrid

I think you are kidding, but I NEVER argue with new roots. It's a sure sign somethings going right! While blossoms are our regular goal, I'll take roots over no growth any day.

Hi Ross, true, one never argues with a well rooted plant, but over the years I have come to suspect some plants like to toy with our minds...paranoid? I think NOT!

highest regards, mary