first phal spike ever

[sandra]

This is my first year taking care of orchids and have had lots of phals bloom that were already in spike when I purchased them but this is my very first spike that's appeared since I took over! It looks like it could be a root in the pic but it's not. I couldn't get the camera to capture it at the right angle to show how different looking from a root it is. Anyway, I'm excited.

[digitalgate]

congra many good one to come.

[BillC]

The Forum will require updates at regular intervals until you post the first pic of the phal in fullbloom. It is a most rewarding feeling to see the first spike no matter how small it is. The first time I saw one I felt like a proud father.
Well done Sandra, and I hope you see many more!!

[sandra]

Thanks digitagate.

Thanks Bill. It'll be my pleasure to post updates. You're very kind!

[Tobi]

Congrats Sandra. I remember the first time I got my Phal to spike after 3 years.
What a joy watching it grow and bloom. NOW get those Catts to spike and
bloom this spring. That's what I'm anxiously awaiting. We're getting buried in
snow right now and I have spring fever already

[mayres]

Yahoo! Seems like just yesterday you and PhalPal were bemoaning no spikes yet - that was quick! May you have MANY more to come............

[Sara]

Congrads Sandra! It's a glorious feeling to see a favorite orchid bloom for the first time after you bought it. Make sure you post LOTS of pics!

[Nancy]

Congratulations!!!! I can't wait to see it. What cross is it? These spikes seem to take forever. I want to see it now! Now! NOW!

[articuno75]

Awesome! awesome! So glad to see that yours is well on the way to bloom! I know that Phals usually spike once or twice a year. I'm still waiting...... Just roots and leaves here.

[tizzycat]

Heyyyyyyyyy!! way to go girl.

Can't wait to see the bloom - it'll be quicker than you think.

Congratulations.

Chris

[Sea_Sun88]

Congrats Sandra

I have no problem getting my catts to bloom but my phalaenopsis ARGGG lol.
I can never get them to reblom

[NancyG]

Hey Sandra,

Hoo, hoo (like Homer)! I have a phal that is spiking too. I think the cooler temps (finally) down here have encouraged the phals.

NancyG

[PhalPal]

Congratulations Sandra!!! I'm so happy for you! (envyenvyenvy)

I still don't see a spike on any of my phals and don't expect any at this point. Lots of new leaves and roots, no flowers. I think where they are is too cold and they are not getting the light they need to bloom. They definately have received cool enough nights to initiate spiking. The room is extremely bright but the windows are tinted and with the ceiling height it is a difficult room to heat. They are in my dining room with two six foot X eight foot direct southern exposure windows, one on top of the other, so it is basically a glass wall. They sort of have 'sunglasses' on them so the sun doesn't fade the carpet and furniture.

My cats love it (as in kitty cats, not catts) but my phals apparently do not. At least my cyms are bursting at the seams!

[mayres]

What kind of highs and lows are your plants actually getting? Not getting enough light could be a factor (?) - people that grow all their phals under artificial lights (including me - mostly) tend to change their bulbs in the fall to give them an extra "push" of light coinciding with the evening temperature drops we have discussed multiple times.

[articuno75]

Mine sits right beside the window. It gets morning and afternoon light/almost directly, but it bounces off the buildings from being and upstairs apartment. All of my orchids are in this position. As for cooling the poor thing, I cracked the window over night several nights when temps dropped. Well my Schwarz liked it, but the only thing I got out of the Phal was more roots and a new leaf

[patlee]

Sandra,You too can watch the spike/buds every morning and every evening (but it will be fun!). Getting any orchid to spike for the first time is almost a magical thing...The science is necessary, but ... Anyhow, many congratulations

BTW, I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but all my Phals were late to spike this year. However, as soon as I started giving them a regular dose of worm tea, they perked right up and threw spikes... (And now I guess I'll check them morning & evening,too!)

[sandra]

Tobi, I haven't seen snow in a long time. I especially miss it this time of year. I have a feeling I'm going to be selling all my catts...sniffles. I've been checking into grow lights and it's going to run me around $400 to get the 50,000 lumens needed for all mine. I don't think I want to spend that kind of money right now....sniffles again. I might change my mind but doubt it and they definitely won't last in the light they're in now unless I make a change soon. But hey, I've got a Phal spike!

Nancy, it's one of the ones labeled, "Wedding Promenade." It's white with heavy purplish red spotting.

Originally Posted by tizzycat

Can't wait to see the bloom - it'll be quicker than you think.
Chris

Chris, you're funny! It's a good thing you didn't bet me on that.

Connie, talk about envy....I read your post in the growing spaces thread and you're about to setup an orchid room with all the additions you're getting for this set up and one little itsy spike we're talking here...you bad girl! Thanks for the thumbs up!

Nancy G, congratulations back to you. Hoo-hoo! Which one of yours is spiking?

SeaSun, and I can't get my Catts to bloom

Patlee, I've been using worm tea on them since April. Truthfully, I don't know if the advantages are all what they're cracked up to be with the tea. I've always used it and am almost afraid not to because of all that's written. I use it on all my plants (except my ferns which hate the tea which look like they developed mosaic virus from the tea) primarily to reduce mealies and other bad critters.

Thanks articuno, Sara, Mike

Hey Mike, what's happening with your Phal that we've all been rooting for a keiki?

[exasperatus2002]

Looks like a spike to me. I had to wait a couple years before my phal put out a spike for me. Now I cant wait for another one. Orchids are addictive.

[sandra]

Thanks exasperatus. And I really think it's grown since last night, really! I'm almost afraid to take more pics fearing that maybe the flash will do something bad to it!

[joan gero]

Congratulations, Sandra. It's so magical when it happens. And it's so weird what blooms where... all my phals are in spike by now (although still small), but the oncidiums won't do anything. Sigh.

[mayres]

Sandra - I'll be admiring flowers before long! Not what I wanted, but I resigned myself to enjoying whatever the plant wants to give me......pic in original thread.