Update: Bulbless Spike

[orchidaddict789]

Hi everyone!
I'd posted a while ago that my broken pbulb of my Onc. Sharry Baby spiked (I accidently snapped off the bulb leaving only a stump). Anyways, the spike has been growing steadily at .5 to .75 inch a day. Now it's nearly two feet long and is still growing.

But I noticed...1) the spike is thin...thinner than the other spike from another normal growth. And 2) it's nearly two feet and I still don't see any signs of buds or anything. The nodes along the spike, you know, the triangular "sheaths" are stuck flat against the spike without any swelling signaling a bud or a branching spike. (What's wrong?) Perhaps I'm getting impatient...or I don't know whether pbulbless spikes can bloom. (Though I really hope so.) Thanks for any info!

[mde]

Some of the oncidiums, like the yellow "dancing lady" hybrids, (especially those with varicosum in them) can take "forever" to complete their branching and bloom. (Especially when the grower is anxious for an end result!) Did you have this plant the last time it spiked and bloomed to see its growth habit? Last summer I had one that I'd estimate ended up between 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall before the branches were extended and flowers starting opening...I think it took 6 weeks or more if I recall... I'd wait it out and see...you might end up with a huge display?

Matt

[orchidaddict789]

Hi,
No...I only got the plant in Jan. when a developing spike already had many small branches and tiny buds. I got to see those branches enlongate and bloom, but I didn't see the spike grow tall and branch. I'll wait...hopefully it'll be fine.

I worry that it might be...branchless/budless () since there is no PB on that growth. Aahh, worries again. I think I worry too much... LOL

[Orchidzrule]

Hi Lily,

A two- or even three-foot spike before emerging buds and branches is not unusual on a *mature* Sharry Baby in good growing conditions. (I suspect the shorter previous spike was because it was a younger plant.) I am fairly confident some of the upper sheaths on the spike of your plant will bloom (and probably branch, too) in due course, in spite of the spike's unusual history. If you're at all like me, the *waiting* can be agony! I, for one, will be very interested to hear how it turns out.

Cheers,

Rob