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Why are my spikes weird and what are these white spots?

Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK)

6 years ago

I am in the spike growing phase of winter, and have noticed some weird issues with some of them. One spike, pictured, has branched off into what appears to be several off-shooting spikes, but it hasn't even bloomed yet, so I am confused. Has anyone dealt with this before?

The next weird thing is I have one orchid growing THREE spikes (!!!) but one of the spikes is literally tracing its leaf so that once it blooms it will be sticking out sideways. I am not sure if I can train it to scoot off to the side without breaking it. Any ideas?

Finally, are these spots a parasite? I noticed them at first on the base leaves and thought it was just from getting that bottom leaf wet, but the spots seem to be growing and spreading. Any advice is helpful. Thanks guys!

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Comments (5)

shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
6 years ago
Nothing weird or bad. Your plants have good genes. Multiple spikes and branching is very desirable. They will put on a show. But be patient. Waiting for those blooms is like watching paint dry. The spots on the last pic is leaf damage. It is scared and will not repair. But the leaves are still important and will benefit the plant. Eventually it will grow out of it. Show the blooms when fully opened.
Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK) thanked shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK)
Original Author
6 years ago
I will do that! Thank you so much Harvey.
0
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jane__ny
6 years ago
I bloomed Phals under lights for many years when I lived in NY.

You need to lower the plants so the spikes reach for the lights. Don't worry about the leaves. The lights need to be high above the spikes. Do not turn the plants at all. Put a dot or spot on the side of the pot you want the spikes to bloom. Do not change their direction or the flowers will be crooked and facing in various directions.

Your spikes are long and the buds beginning to form so it might be late for you to change direction. Try.

Place the lights above the spikes. Place the plant in the direction you want the spikes to display the flowers. Mark the pot and do not change the direction.

Trust me, the spikes will start growing up, toward the lights.

Jane
Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK) thanked jane__ny
Paul MI
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
"Do not change their direction or the flowers will be crooked and facing in various directions."

That is not an issue at this stage. The OP has time before that would be a concern. If you want the spikes to go straight up then, yes, place the lights above the spikes. If you prefer a more graceful arc to the spikes, you can keep one side of the pot towards the light source until the spikes are 6-8 inches long (if this is a standard phal) and then turn it so the other side faces the light source. Once the buds start to enlarge, then you will want to either keep the light above the spikes or otherwise keep the light source constant with regards to the orientation of the plant to get a more even flower orientation.
Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK) thanked Paul MI
jane__ny
6 years ago
I disagree, Paul. Those spikes are already deciding the direction of the forming buds. You just can't see them yet. The lights should be above and the OP should stake those spikes carefully to keep them from growing out into the room. After you get the spikes to a good height, you can pull the lights back a bit and lower them.

You will get a beautiful, curved spike with the flowers perfectly lined up.

Jane
Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK) thanked jane__ny

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