Vanda question? - Orchid Board

flhiker · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 05:40 PM

Hi all, I recently bought a vanda Pachara Delight with a short spike. I have heard that the root system on orchids stop growing during spiking, is it also true for the leafs? It looks to me that the new leaf is growing faster then the spike. Could it be that the spike has stopped growing? What would be the average growth rate for a spike from a healthy happy Vanda? Thanks

cb977 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 06:24 PM

I've never noticed! Once I see the spike, the rest of it fades into the background

flhiker · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb977

I've never noticed! Once I see the spike, the rest of it fades into the background

Hi Sue, I can understand that but have you ever had a spike stop growing? (on a vanda)

cb977 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 08:19 PM

No, once they start, they keep going. That's not to say I haven't had some buds blast but the spike has always grown to completion

Miyuki · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 09:57 PM

I have roots growing like crazy and a new leaf along with a spike that is continuing to grow and open. The new leaves never seem to stop!

gixrj18 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 09:12 PM

Reduce the amount of nitrogen (N), give it some potassium (K) to boost that blossom. If you don't have a blooming fertilizer, you can give it some molasses. If you go to the health food store, you can get molasses with up to 500mg of potassium per serving.

flhiker · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 10:04 PM

Thanks all, Jasen I will give it better-gro bloom booster (11-35-15).

It looks to me that it has stopped growing.

Charles · #8 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 09:40 AM

They sometimes stop for unknown reasons. Mine did that when it doubled. The smaller one ceded to the larger. I now have another that is going insane. So hold on and see what happens.
I have noticed that the roots slow when the spike is booming. Also when too much fertilizer is applied.
I have a Panchera blue with a spike that grew nearly 14 inches in a week and a half.

Tindomul · #9 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixrj18

Reduce the amount of nitrogen (N), give it some potassium (K) to boost that blossom. If you don't have a blooming fertilizer, you can give it some molasses. If you go to the health food store, you can get molasses with up to 500mg of potassium per serving.

Straight molases????? Or do you dilute it, and by how much? Thanks.