phal spikes

[mick mc]

i have a phal which has two spikes growing they are a quater inch long and been like that for a year not geting any bigger the plant is healthy can anyone tell me if this is normal thanks all mick

[sandra]

Originally Posted by mick mc

i have a phal which has two spikes growing they are a quater inch long and been like that for a year not geting any bigger the plant is healthy can anyone tell me if this is normal thanks all mick

Are you sure they're spikes and not aerial roots mick?

[mayres]

Can you take a picture and post it so we can all get a look/see?

[mick mc]

Hear are som photo's of what i think are spike's as they have been there so long and they are a little flater at the end's than are roots.

[kmarch]

Those look like roots to me.

[fred]

I would say your a proud owner of two new roots growing

[sandra]

That's somewhat odd that these roots have remained stagnant for a year mick. This Phal has plenty of room for more bark. Maybe you should try adding a generous layer more of the mix, covering these roots to encourage more growth from them.

[Vivienne]

I agree... roots. Your plant seems like it's potted a little high and could use a little more bark.

[mayres]

Like all the others said......roots. How is your humidity level? I have found that raising the humidity will encourage the roots to grow. Even misting the area lightly in the morning seems to give them a nudge.

[clarita]

Can you tell us about your light and heat? If you aren't getting growth/blooming you may need to increase both.

[mick mc]

the phal has growing lots of roots while the two i thaught where spikes have been like that for over a year the one on the left had a leaf under it at one stage you might be right about the light but the heat is enough. i will put some more bark in the pot thank yoiu all for your help i will waght to see if they get any bigger thanks mick

ps
they get sprayed every morning in summer twice a day

[patlee]

Mick, Try Super Thrive for root growth. If they don't have it in your area, try worm tea. Great stuff that sort of kick starts things You'll find many posts on the forums,too

[ganim]

Ye same as here they are roots. Good sign it is still kicking, why not try fertilizer with higher K it may boost them.

[Nanybel]

Hello to all: I have a similar problem, only worse.... I was told last summer to prune the spike all the way down to the leaves, after the last bloom (big mistake)..... well, my phal leaves are very healthy and I fertilize it every 2 weeks, but there's no sign of a new spike.... is it going to grow a new one anytime soon???

[FLaCo]

Might be a while before you will get a spike. You already have a healthy plant so you are on the right track. Now its patience and maybe a blossom booster?

[Nanybel]

Thank you so much FlaCo, for your reply; I feel better now! I looove my Phal and I'm so eager to see it blooming again :-)

[PhalPal]

Most Phals bloom only once a year. They need a temperature drop of about 15 degrees overnight in the fall to initiate spikes a few months later. They go through growth cycles of roots, leaves and (sometimes) flower spikes. Patience, patience.

[Nanybel]

Thanks PhalPal! By the way, where can I find worm tea??? I've never heard of it... my Phal has also one or 2 of those tiny spike-like roots, since last summer....

[PhalPal]

We have found the best source for worm tea comes from Our Vital Earth ~ All Natural Worm Castings & Worm Tea. One of our moderators uses it on his orchid farm in Florida and they sell it. You can find cheaper versions in Home Depot but I didn't much benefit from it.

[Orchidity]

For future knowledge (and I am hardly knowledgeable, but its fun to pretend!) your Phal will produce spikes between the leaves, and not from the base of the plant.

Someone I am sure will correct me if this is not always the case.

[tizzycat]

Yes, I go with roots.

[PhalPal]

Orchidity most Phals will produce spikes from the bottom of the plant; this is more the norm. However, I have several in bloom right now and three out of nine have blooming spikes emerging from between the leaves. When I first see them it's hard to tell if it's a root or a spike. It must just be in the genetics.

[Orchidity]

Thank you for clarifying my post. I was speaking from personal experience rather than any real knowledge. Of twelve Phals in my home (4 noid, 8 hybrids) every one of them produces spikes from between leaves rather than at base of plant. I'm so glad, I would hate to be normal!