Stunted spike on Paph

[jenn]

I purchased a bare root Paph. Hawaii Wings in mid September that to my delight had a spike beginning. Now, many weeks later, the spike has barley grown if at all. I am now starting to think this spike, however green it might be, is not going to develop. I suspect the Paph. just had too much on its plate. Have any of you seen what happens long term in this situation? I am sad, it looks like I may have to wait for the very little new growths to mature before I see it bloom...oh well...

[JOHNnDC]

I have two that have recently stalled, with the spikes just starting to show, but since they're both nice and green, I've just shrugged and said "whatever." Curious to hear what others can add.

[Diane]

I have a couple that just don't seem able to 'pop' out of the leaves.. but once out, everything goes well. On the other hand, I had a watering catastrophe while out of town (cat sitters do not make good orchid sitters..) and had 3 almost ready to open paphs and 2 budded Catts blast... Looks like I am going to have to investigate some kind of automated watering system for indoors....

[jenn]

So Diane, yours did eventually come up out of the leaves? It just took an extra long time?
That stinks about your cat sitter. I have seen orchid sitters advertised online, one even in southern Cali I think. I'll bet they charge a pretty penny though!

[Diane]

Yes, they did eventually come out, but I think they must have been sitting in there, just barely showing that they were there for about 6 - 8 weeks. Once they got out, they seemed to do very well. I was thinking that there was something in the conditions that was making them hesitate - I think perhaps too warm - so it stayed safe until it liked the conditions more.