This reminds me of my recently spiked oncidium that I wanted to get rid of but didn't have the nerve to. The leaves were hanging, a bit chewed up from Lilly the cat (kept it on a shelf she was able to reach....before I knew better
) and almost ashamed to admit, I just didn't like the look of this straggely plant. I put it on a counter, one step closer to the garbage but again, in good conscience didn't have the nerve to dump it. Sitting there neglected and in poor light for about 2 weeks with no water, the plant took off with spiking and huge spikes at that. It went on to bloom incredibly beautiful flowers. Just goes to show you.....
a watched kettle never boils? theory.