Questions on New Growth!

16 years ago

Questions on both of my Phals... #1:

In September, when I bought my first Phal, I feared I would kill it. Now, it's still in bloom with one flower more than when I bought it and new growth happening in three places! It's got one little branch growing from the highest node and a little something just starting to poke out at the node beneath it. There's also a little green nub of something (not sure if it's a root or a new spike because it's still pretty small) growing out of the base-- just above the second leaf-- is that an strange place for seomthing to grow? Anyone know what it's most likely to be?

Phal #2

This is my rescued hardware store NOID that I've called 'Little Trooper'. The spike was cut down to a node when I got it, and a branch has grown from that node which is now about three inches long-- however it seems to have stalled a little. It was growing so fast at first that when I looked at it each morning I could tell it had grown some since the morning before. Not so much now. Is it normal for them to slow down as they get longer, or should I do something to get it growing again? I worry a bit about fertilizing this one (I've only fertilized each orchid once since getting them) since it isn't as strong as my first Phal (as far as roots go).

Do orchids usually grow lots during autumn? I'm loving that they both have so much going on! In fact most of my plants are growing really great this autumn-- I've got philodendron cuttings that are rooting like mad in a glass, a tiny spider splant baby that's also rooting in water, and an African Violet that I almost killed a while back (they're so darn picky!) that's growing new leaves as well. Hooray!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

claritamaria
16 years ago
Hi BG
Pics and your conditions would help us. Are you able to supply pics and your growing conditions?

#1 Without a pic no one can say root or spike. Sounds like an aerial root from placement. That is common.

#2 Little Trouper
Stall is prevelent this time of year. You are in a similar zone. The light is less. Heat is less. Phals like steady light and heat. You must increase the light/heat for the growth to continue at the same rate. CFL's are a godsend for light and heat increases. There is a rather large post on the board about bulbs if you need a source.

Fertilising or not, really makes no difference. The plant will take what it needs. Some people don't fertilise at all. Try a light and heat bump. That is the 1st line of defense in curing stall.

Clara
0
mehitabel
16 years ago
Good advice from Clara about bumping up the warmth and light. The only thing I would add is that they know what they are doing-- when to grow and when to rest. Just give them the best conditions you can and let them do their thing.

on #1, the branches. That is terrific-- I *love* the ones that put out the big branching spikes. When they get big enough, it's a glorious display. It also means you will get more flowers on this spike. Good growing! (And good picking-- the ones that branch are the best :P

The little nub-- spikes start from just above the "v" where the leaf attaches to the stem. If it's anywhere else, it's probably a root. But those are good, too.
0
Related Discussions
Newbie question on new growth
Q
Comments (6)
That root will reach for moisture. If you had it in a very humid environment, it would probably not lean towards the mix. If it is in a drier environment, it will lean towards the mix and grow into that. Mike
...See More
Question about new growth on Rosa Helenae
Q
Comments (3)
It only arises where canes move with the wind, and damage each other. If that becomes a problem, you can put a little wedge between them (a piece of rose cane works nicely) and even hold that in place by impaling in on prickles. And that is far better than removing a good cane on a baby rose. Jeri
...See More
Newbie with Simple Question for new Maple Growth
Q
Comments (1)
you need to help the tree procede as it would if it was left in the wild...let it go dormant..... to survive the winter keep the soil damp- not wet. no fertilization till spring light of some importance but temp around 40F is the the most important thing (along with soil moisture)
...See More
Is this growth okay?
Q
Comments (4)
Yes. Pull back the mulch and rip that growth off right where it emerges from the cane. The idea is to catch any dormant eyes that surround it.
...See More
blossom_girl
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Clara and mehitabel!
The little nubby thing is right above where a leaf attaches to a stem... I'd be happy even if it were a root rather than a spike (as it probably is), I just like to see things grow :) Besides, two new branches and a new spike at the same time on one orchid seems like insanity! I'll probably take a picture when it gets a bit bigger to get some expert opinions on what it is!
Funny thing about this Phal is that I bought it at Wal-Mart of all places and it's doing so well! It was in excellent condition when I got it, so I guess it must have been just off the truck, I know how they like to drown their plants. I've been back since and they always have a bunch of Phals but all with broken leaves and various other damage-- so I think I'll consider myself lucky with this one and stay away from Wally world from now on :)
0
mehitabel
16 years ago
blossom, you asked about growth in Autumn. Don't know about Canada, this is as far north as I've ever lived.

But Autumn here is really a glorious time-- warm sunny days at least til November. The nights cool down and lengthen, but days are gorgeous. Once winter starts there's plenty of gloom to get around, but not yet.

October is about the same time distance from the equinox as April, so it ought to be warm and sunny enough for good growth.

I noticed just today in my south window, the sun is there now til well after 2pm. During the high summer, it was gone from that window before 1pm. So with the sun going lower, it actually hits a window for longer than in high summer.

Down in my light room it's very warm-- days 85-89, heat from the lights, and a basic temp of app 73 this time of year (it's a basement).

So summing up, I'd say, yes you can get lots of good growing in autumn, as long as the light is strong.

About your Walmart plant-- since you grow other things, you know about the "glow" a healthy plant has -- you can just *see* the health. I call it "looks goooood", and I'm always thrilled to see it in something I'me growing. Those plants always have terrific roots. Just go for those and pass the unhealthy ones by. A broken leaf wouldn't matter on an otherwise "looks good" plant. It will be replaced pdq.

Savor your success, and enjoy the growing. I love it!
0