terminal spike?

[dennis]

in a previous post about a phal i purchased that had three keikeis on it the middle sized one i noticed a flower spike coming right up through the middle of the two leaves. is this a terminal spike or on the smallest keikei that was forming has actually stoped forming its leaves and is now a flower spike about 2.5 inches long. since i transplanted this into sh it has done a complete rebound and seems to be growing like a weed.

[kmarch]

Please odn't feel insulted by this question, but are you positive it is a Phal? I ask that because Phals do not bloom terminally from the crown of the plant. They bloom from the side of the plant. Can you post a pic of the phenomena?

[mayres]

In general you are correct Kevin, but I DO have a phal with a beautiful flower spike coming right out of the middle/center. I have been told that this means death to the plant - the growing center was damaged by (I believe) mealies. My only hope for this plant is for the spike to grow a keiki or for a basal keiki to appear. mike

[kmarch]

Mike,

Interesting and strange. I've never heard of this. I've only ever had half-dozen or so Phals but lived near the two largest Phal growers in Michigan and I'd never seen anything like this. I wonder if it could also be some sort of hybrid mutation or chemical mutation.

-Kevin

[dennis]

here is a picture of it

[kmarch]

Interesting.....

Now I have seen small single leaves at the nodes of a flower spike but never anything quite like this. You've just broadened my experience!

Interesting to see how it goes.

-K

[dennis]

what i am finding amazing is that the smallest kekei was starting to show leaves when i purchased this. those are now gone and has continued into a flower spike. also this keikei having this terminal spike coming out of it. this plant has made a complete turnaround since repotting it into the sh. the roots were pretty bad when i got it