The disappointment in her eyes was evident. She had brought in her Phalaenopsis for re-potting and had mistakenly thought that the three white growth tips emerging from the base of the plant were flower spikes. When I informed her that they were only new air roots, she was bummed.
Flower (bud) spikes form from "nodes" on the plant. These nodes are located on different parts of the plant, depending on the variety.
Phalaenopsis, for instance, form their bud spikes from the top of the leaf axil, at the bottom of the main plant structure. The spike will grow up, emerging from between the leaves, and reach towards it's main light source.
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| Cattleya luteola |
Cattleya form a
sheath (a thin, translucent layer of tissue that surrounds the buds) at the top of the pseudobulb and inside the main leaf structure. Cattleya will only produce buds on their new leaf growth, and each growth will only produce flowers one time. This new plant growth must mature over about a years period of tiime before more buds will be set. Thus, Cattleya usually bloom just once per year. Mini Cattleyas, however, are an exception to the rule. They can bloom twice a year, as they grow smaller and thus take only 6-8 months to grow their new leaf structure to maturity.
Some varieties, like
Paphs and Phrags, Erias and Coelogynes, produce their spikes from the very center of the plant. When the buds first emerge they appear just like new leaf growth. As the spike lengthens, it grows upwards, producing a bud (or buds) at the tip.
Plants in the
Oncidium alliance (including Brassias, Miltonias,
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Holcoglossum wangii
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Odonts, etc.) have shorter and rounder pseudobulbs that form their flower spikes at the side of the newer pseudobulbs, usually inside the leaf axil. The spikes will grow up inside or just next to the lower leaves, protected by the leaf growth.
Many times, it is difficult to differentiate between leaf growth, root growth and emerging flower spikes. The spikes usually grow quickly and, within a week or two, will begin to develop buds. The bud spikes also usually grow upwards, reaching towards the light source. Many times, if your growing area is by a window, the spikes will grow at an angle, reaching towards the window. If growing in a greenhouse, or under lights, the spikes will grow more vertical, as the main light source is more or less directly overhead.
Watching the spikes grow and form buds is just one more fascinating aspect of growing orchids. Enjoying the growth and development of your plants helps one appreciate the blooms all that much more!
Enjoy your hobby!
Liese
