Whats all this?

[Allen Robins]

Went and had a look at my Phal this morning and found another shoot coming from under the leaves. Is this what is called a kieki?......Any information would be appreciated......Regards....AL

[Susie11]

Hi Allen. I am pretty sure that what you have there is a new spike!! Well done!

[bearded orchid]

Looks like a second spike to me, too. Congrats

[1joyceh]

Congrats Allen, great job

[pikkumyy]

looks like a second spike to me too, but im unsure, a closer photo would be great,

if it is a keiki i believe their is a special name for one that grows off the phal itself and not the spike, hopefully a more knowledgable member will be able to chime in

[orchids4me]

Pic is to far out for me to see with manual zooming it gets blury a closer shot zoomed in may help.
I hope it is a spike as the others say that would be awesome !

[kmarch]

Looks like a spike to me too!

[PaphMadMan]

Yes, that's a spike rather than a basal keiki.

[Allen Robins]

Thank you for the information people. Sorry about the photo but thats the best I can do under the circumstances. Being a complete novice, what is so wonderful about the new spike? and what do I do? sit and wait and see if it flowers?.....I feel a bit overawed as to all the attention it has generated, Regards .....AL

[koshki]

What do you do? You run around the house yelling like a crazy person, until someone asks you what in the heck is going on!

That's what you do!

[Dendian]

I agree with Katherine.

A new spike means FLOWERS ARE COMING!!!

However, I would not sit and wait and watch it - they will take their own sweet time growing the spike - and blooming too. Just give it good culture and care - and it will reward you with a nice show.

[Allen Robins]

WHAAAAAAAAT? you mean blooms and flowers and stuff that I can sit and watch and appreciate Mother Nature.....is that what all the hoo har and fan fare is all about?...............Sounds good to me......AL

[pikkumyy]

Originally Posted by koshki

What do you do? You run around the house yelling like a crazy person, until someone asks you what in the heck is going on!

That's what you do!

hehe i did that exact thing yesterday when one of my tolumnia's that i got given in spike 3 MONTHS AGO, finally opened

Originally Posted by Dendian

I agree with Katherine.

A new spike means FLOWERS ARE COMING!!!

However, I would not sit and wait and watch it - they will take their own sweet time growing the spike - and blooming too. Just give it good culture and care - and it will reward you with a nice show.

don't look forward to the blooms to much, sadly they wont feel like saying hi for a couple of months IT IS A PAIN IN TO TOOKUS

Originally Posted by Allen Robins

WHAAAAAAAAT? you mean blooms and flowers and stuff that I can sit and watch and appreciate Mother Nature.....is that what all the hoo har and fan fare is all about?...............Sounds good to me......AL

its really interesting watching all the different stages of growth, and be sure to support the spike in a couple of weeks, they can egt heavy and snap

hehe i forgot about the term 'hoo har'

[lmartiny]

Piping in here a bit late, but yes, I also say a spike. And yes, they can take their sweet time.

[Allen Robins]

Well, it seems that I have something to look forward to. Yes Michael, there is a stick to support the old bud, so may have to put another in when the time is right. Any particular way?....sharpen end?........AL

[pikkumyy]

Originally Posted by Allen Robins

Well, it seems that I have something to look forward to. Yes Michael, there is a stick to support the old bud, so may have to put another in when the time is right. Any particular way?....sharpen end?........AL

all you really want is an upright support on which to attach the spike, their is normally a pointed end on the 'stick'(the proper name would be greatly appreciated) just so that poking it into the medium, is easier. when you poke the stick in, be careful not to break anyroots (if possible)

[Allen Robins]

Thanks Michael, that will be a challenge....not to hit any roots. I have some small cane ones that should suit.The weather down here has been magnificent, about 22 to 25 degrees, so I turn everything off from 10 am to 4 pm and let some fresh air and sun do all the "work"..........AL