accidently snipped the spike (!!!)

[amersault]

i have a Phal just beginning to spike. the growth is so new the spike is still pliable. it's now about 4" tall.

as i was adjusting the silly butterfly clasp to train it to a stake, the clip slipped and snipped the spike - 3/4 of the way in! i managed to align the cut portion again, but i guess the spike is considered Null

so much for Xmas blooms on this plant (argggggghhhh!!!!)

[articuno75]

Phalpal used scotch tape to hold the spike back into place after snapping one off. I know of using Elmer's glue and cinnamon to make a bond. Try one of these to save it.

[LouisW]

Its the worst feeling when you break a spike or a new growth.

Are you serious? That really works?

[articuno75]

Yes, the Elmer's glue really does. Here's the link.

[mayres]

Something to consider for the future - phal spikes are photosensitive and will behave just like a seedling coming out of the ground - which ever direction the most significant light is coming from they will bend in that direction. If you put them in/near a window they will always head off in that direction - I usually like to grow them out away from the plant for awhile and then turn 180 degrees and allow the spike to curl up and over the plant - makes for a nice artistic looking display and no clips are required. If you break off a phal spike I'd say chances are good that it will respike again from one of the nodes - let us know how it does!

[amersault]

hey, guys -

thanks for all the advice. i didn't think the spike could be saved but i'll see what i can do. unfortunately, i haven't got Elmer's glue on hand but i do have the next best antibacterial thing: honey.

who knows how it'll turn out.

i'll keep you all posted.

[solay]

Sorry about the spike. That's the worst. Hope you get another spike to replace it soon. You may get blooms by x-mas yet.

[sleek otter]

What a trauma. I hope you still get Christmas blooms all the same.

Interesting advice in the thread.

[amersault]

just wanted to show everyone how it looks. i came in this morning and the top end of the spike has already dried and withered at the area of the cut so the honey idea is out now.

i do have a node beneath so i may have a subspike yet - only time will tell.

in the photo you will also see those blasted plastic clips. i normally wait until the spike is taller and better formed to use these, but i was over exuberant this time - and paid the price.

i'm going to take the top off to make the cut cleanly and encourage growth in another area.

and this plant just fully recovered from its sunscald episode - cripes...

[dr_frnkblck]

That's a bummer! although your misfortune will hopefully serve as a cautionary tale to others about over exuberance. So sorry.

[amersault]

yep - don't use those plastic clips until well after the spike has matured. use twist ties just tied loosely or raffia.

or just plain wait.

[tizzycat]

The last option sounds good to me. Those clips can be lethal. I can sympathise through experience.

Hope you get another spike soon.

[articuno75]

I use garbage twist ties.

Not pretty, but it does the job. Clips are prettier, but I've noticed that they bruise the spikes. The dragonfly type clips aren't as tight to use compared to the others though.

[11Orchid126]

The next time you get a break or a tear, consider using florists tape. Not the stretchy kind, but the adhesive kind. It stays on for years, and is very inexpensive. You can get some from your local florist.

[amersault]

twist ties are good if done loosely. i found this insulated wire type that works very well as loose figure 8's around spikes.

yes, clips bruise/damage the plants easily. i'm resigning these things - esp the dragonfly types - to hairclips. it's not doing my plants any good!

i have never tried florists tape but i will next time.

i'll post an update if i get a subspike.

[nenella]

Hi, just an other idea.... & my 2cts worth..
I am lucky enough to have our IT manager who collects for me all the plastic coated wire-ties (used to tie all electrical appliance wires together).. gives them to me twice a year!
PS : I tie loosley too

[amersault]

Originally Posted by nenella

Hi, just an other idea.... & my 2cts worth..
I am lucky enough to have our IT manager who collects for me all the plastic coated wire-ties (used to tie all electrical appliance wires together).. gives them to me twice a year!
PS : I tie loosley too

c'est une idea fantastique! that would work well for heavy plants like Dens and such

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by articuno75

I use garbage twist ties.

Not pretty, but it does the job. Clips are prettier, but I've noticed that they bruise the spikes. The dragonfly type clips aren't as tight to use compared to the others though.

I have clips in about 5 different sizes, plus the Rapiclip soft twist tie, electrical tie-downs, a roll of twist tie and masking tape! I'm ready for just about anything!

[butt0n]

Gah! That sucks! Such a tease too...hopefully you can get the spike to do something else though.

[Anton]

I heard a little trick of Super Gluing the sides to help it reattach while holding the spike together, can't vouch for how well it works. May take two pairs of hands to do it properly.

Once you put the little dob of glue on, breathe on it with your mouth open, the warm moisture from your breath will set the glue quickly. This is why Super Glue sticks to errant fingers so quickly, it loves moisture.

BTW, don't get any glue on the inside of the spike.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by Orchidementia

I have clips in about 5 different sizes, plus the Rapiclip soft twist tie, electrical tie-downs, a roll of twist tie and masking tape! I'm ready for just about anything!

I have looked for that Rapiclip everywhere! I don't think they sell it here in Indiana, either that or I'm blind.

LoL, I'm going with option #2.

[amersault]

Jenny, i got mine at Lowe's you might have luck in the gardening section there.

[amersault]

Originally Posted by Anton

I heard a little trick of Super Gluing the sides to help it reattach while holding the spike together, can't vouch for how well it works. May take two pairs of hands to do it properly.

Once you put the little dob of glue on, breathe on it with your mouth open, the warm moisture from your breath will set the glue quickly. This is why Super Glue sticks to errant fingers so quickly, it loves moisture.

BTW, don't get any glue on the inside of the spike.

super glue + 2 persons handling + drying the glue = Monty Python episode waiting to happen

[amersault]

so the Gods of Forgiveness have shone upon me their mercy and granted me... another spike!

i just found this as i was watering today - on the opposite side of the poor spike i amputated is a small growth growing UP.

i'll have my blooms after all

[dr_frnkblck]

got pic?

[amersault]

but of course, Franco - for you, i do :P

see where my trusty Dixon Ticonderoga points (ok, my BIC #2...)

i'm leaving this guy alone - i don't care if it grows corkscrew!

[dr_frnkblck]

wow you can tell that's a spike? Is that the spike you snapped to the right?

[amersault]

yep, it's likely a spike.

it's location and the very fact that it points up rather than down is a good clue.

see the other appearing root further beneath it.

that poor stump on the right is the one i accidentally cut (drat!)

[Tarad]

I can commiserate with you. I just lost a spike on ,my monster phal while trying to prop it up. ARGHHH. It will spike again but it was a big one. I can see your new spike though! Tara

[amersault]

Originally Posted by Tarad

I can commiserate with you. I just lost a spike on ,my monster phal while trying to prop it up. ARGHHH. It will spike again but it was a big one. I can see your new spike though! Tara

i feel your pain! don't worry, in a month or so you should also get new growth

it's just that 3-week odd wait that kills...

[amersault]

so it's been more than a few weeks since i last spotted that spike bud. nearly, two months, in fact.

jus wanted to post progress of what he looks like today. that new spike alone has 20+ blooms. imagine w/ a double spike i could have had 40+!

[patticake]

Wow! That looks great! Don't fret about what could have been, just enjoy what you have!

[trinigirl]

VEry nice healthy chid. This is going to make quite a display!

[amersault]

thank you, both! apparently, Old Stump is now fully recovered

yes, it missed Christmas, but this will be in time to open for V-Day. Happy <3 Day to me

[Caliope]

That is stunning.

[lmartiny]

Old stump. Is that name going to stick?

Well said Patti.

[kid a]

Wow! Poor Old stump! That's awesome it just kept on going!