Vanda Terminal Spike?

[Kassie]

A friend just asked me to research the impact of terminal spikes on Vandas. He thinks he has one, although from the two pictures he sent me it is impossible to tell which side of the newest leaf the spike is on.

Dr. Google only finds me phals with terminal spikes. Is this a problem for a Vanda? I realize the word "terminal" with regard to plants does not mean the same thing as terminal illness in humans, but will it change how this vanda grows?

[pavel]

Unless I am grossly mistaken, if it is indeed a terminal spike then, yes, it will be a situation similar to that of a phal with a terminal spike. Because these are both monopodal orchids, the stem has only the one growing point -- an apical meristem. If that tissue has changed from vegetative tissue to reproductive tissue, then it will no longer be able to continue vegetative growth from that area. However, a new vegetative growth point can develop somewhere else along the plant's stem. That new 'branch', once it forms its own roots can be removed as a keiki if one wishes or just left to grow alongside the old main stem.

[Raver]

I agree with Pavel, but if it doesnt grow a new plant, cutting the top off could/would encourage it to grow a new plant.

[cdayinflorida]

Both Byron and Pavel are correct in my opinion.

[Kassie]

Thanks all. I told my friend and he was very relieved. He has many vandas with multiple growths and has topped them before, so he can deal with that part if necessary.

[catttan]

I concur with both Pavel and Byron. I would like to know if the plant referred to is a vanda as in strap-leaf vanda or vandaceous. In my experience I've never had a strap-leaf vanda/ascocenda or even semi-terete vanda behaving in this way. However the vandaceous hybrids with Arachnis or Renanthera do occasionally behave in this manner. This will also spell the end of the terminal vegetative growth but new keikis will develop.

[Kassie]

The plant in question was Vanda Pachara Delight. The problem was my friend tooks some unfortunate pictures that made the spike *look* like it came out right by the new inch-long leaf. Someone saw the picture, told him it was terminal and he panicked. I saw the plant yesterday and discovered the inflorescence emerged from below the third leaf axil. At least this was an infomative discussion.

Thank you Yew. I suspected that it was not a frequent occurrence because whenever I google an orchid issue, if it is a genuine problem someone has already asked the question here on OrchidTalk.