Spike question on Renanthera Tom Thumb

[cb977]

Where do the spikes originate on this plant?
I've had it for close to two years, got it as a small seedling and nothing ever happened with it...but today I found something growing in the center of the top leaves and it doesn't look like more leaves!

Could this be the start of a spike?

[nancy]

Hi Susanne - I don't have this cross, the the only Ren. I do have (Nancy Chandler) got to be a big honking plant before it produced flowers. Over 3' tall!
The inflorescence originates right at the point where the leaf grows from the stem; I think they generally bloom about 1/3 to 1/4 the distance down the stem from the top, though I'm sure they can bloom higher. I've only seen a few!
They are real beauties!
Regards - Nancy

[cb977]

Thanks Nancy

I just looked at it again and it seems to be a new leaf...again!

Oh, someday...

I love "Nancy Chandler", it's a gorgeous 'chid.
This one is meant to grow a bit smaller than that one...but
the "Nancy Chandler" is a sure-thing on my wish list

[Leisurely]

Hi Susanne:
Did your Ren. Tom Thumb ever bloom yet. I Just received one that I ordered from Exotic Orchids of Maui. It is under six inches tall and is making a spike. It is just about in the center of the plant. By the way, the cross is a primary hybrid of Monachica x Imshootiana and both species like to grow warm.

[cb977]

Hi Jerry

Nope! The plant looks great and I've had a few new leaves grow but still no blooms! I can't seem to find this 'chids "happy place" but I won't give up

[Leisurely]

My Ren. Monachica and Imshootiana both bloom faithfully each spring and I grow them with the Vandas. When I ordered Tom Thumb it said that they bloomed when they were quite small but I certainly did not expect a spike on this tiny plant that I received. Some of the foliage is red which is an indicator that it was growing under strong light. I believe that light is often the answer to flowers if the plant is otherwise healthy.

I had a small Darwinara Charm 'Blue Star' that did not want to bloom for me so I hung it on the patio where it received full sun until about three o'clock. I slowly acclimated it of course. In about a month it turned red and threw two spikes that lasted for months and smelled exactly like the Lilacs that my mother grew.

[cb977]

Jerry, I'm stumped! I've had this thing out around the pool, in the room under the skylights, tried a little less light... ...but you give me hope

[Leisurely]

When mine blooms I will share the picture with you.

[cb977]

Great, I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Where in Central FL are you?

[Leisurely]

I live twenty miles west of Orlando in a small town called Minneola.