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Cymbidium spike dilemma

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by paphlover17, Jul 3, 2022.

  1. Jul 3, 2022 #1
    paphlover17

    paphlover17 Member

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    Hello everyone,
    it seems that I need your opinion again. One of my hybrid Cymbidiums has decided to spike. If it was february I would be jumping out of joy, but as it is the middle of summer I am contemplating cutting the spike because I don't know if it will disrupt the plants annual cycle. Also I would like for it to put its energy into growing right now. So what I wish to know is if I should cut the spike or let it be. Thanks in advance for your replies.
     
  2. Jul 4, 2022 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Generally speaking, plants expend their chemical reserves in three ways, in this order of priority: maintenance (staying alive), carbon fixation (growth), and reproduction (blooming).

    It won’t do the next one until the it has sufficient reserves for the prior one(s), and is “comfortable” - is steadily getting the right overall culture.

    That suggest to me that your cymbidium is either getting the overall proper care and is “ready” to bloom, or is doing so in a last-ditch attempt to reproduce, because it is in bad condition. In either case, letting the spike grow consumes reserves that it won’t ever get back if you cut it off, so if chemical reserve conservation is your goal, remove it right away.

    Here’s more
     
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  3. Jul 4, 2022 #3
    paphlover17

    paphlover17 Member

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    Thank you Ray. I guess I will wait a little bit to see how the growths develop (I am not 100 % sure they are spikes, but to me they are too round and long to be new pseudobulbs).
     
  4. Jul 4, 2022 #4
    Roberta

    Roberta Active Member

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    Depending on the parentage, this even could be the "right time" for spikes. Is it one of the yellow Cyms? If so, may have Golden Elf in its background... my Golden Elf is in spike now, the progeny of this hybrid bloom very early. But I have also had more "normal" Cyms do an extra bloom this year. If it is truly in spike, then it is doing what it wants to do, enjoy!
     
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  5. Jul 4, 2022 #5
    paphlover17

    paphlover17 Member

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    Its a flower shop NoID. But its a green one. Now that I think about it I got it in bloom in last september. Thank you very much for the information.
     
  6. Jul 6, 2022 #6
    Roberta

    Roberta Active Member

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    It is time... if just now starting spike, then September for blooming is about what I would expect.