The Orchid Garden

short spikes!

Question:

I seem to have a problem with short bloom spikes! This is currently happening to two of my orchids. I have a mini cymbidium living outdoors. I got it three winters ago, and It hasn’t bloomed till now- since now I know it needs bright light and a drop in temps in the fall!  Anyhow I was amazed last month to see not just one bloom spike, but five !!!!! thats right FIVE!!!!! unfortunately at this point they are all looking like they are nearly finished developing, but none are longer than 7 inches from the base to the tip!   What’s wrong? why aren’t they longer? they get bright east light all morning and reflected north light the rest of the day. SHould I have moved the plant inside after I noticed them appearing ? The mild california winter doesn’t seem to be bothering the plant otherwise. I also have a number of Phals. My zumas pixie puts up nice tall spikes (several feet high). In the same area I have a hybrid phal of unknown pedigree that just gives your usual fuchsia colored blooms. It is in spike and has been for two or three months so far. The problem is that the spike grew to about 4 inches, and just stopped (month or two ago). It looks healthy but just stuck. I’ve been giving it a supplemental boost of light from my new grow lamp for 4 hours daily (during daylight) but so far this hasn’t helped jumpstart it. Is it perhaps too cold? it’s by a window. Is it from low humidity?? any thoughts will be most welcome! Juliette

Response:

I also have a number of Phals. My zumas pixie puts up nice tall spikes (several feet high). In the same area I have a hybrid phal of unknown pedigree that just gives your usual fuchsia colored blooms. It is in spike and has been for two or three months so far. The problem is that the spike grew to about 4 inches, and just stopped (month or two ago). It

Was the phal. moved to a new location while the spike was growing? I have had some phals. decide to stop spike growth as you describe, when I moved them just 3 feet. (From the West window in a South-West corner to the South window.) Some phals seem to be more particular about being moved than others. Now, I always wait till the buds have started to open before moving them. They don’t seem to mind at that point. Darrell Dixon, Cottonwood Orchids Cottonwood Mix-LD available (Currently out performing Pro-Mix in test cases)

Response:

Filed under: Cymbidium Orchids

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