Broken Spike on Monnierara Millennium Magic "Witchcraft"

[dlbush]

I broke down recently and bought one of these beauties after reading the threads that have been circulating about them here on Orchidtalk. I received my plant yesterday and proceeded to repot it from dense sphagnum moss into bark. Well, apparently while I was trying to remove all the old sphag, I broke off the tiny spike that the PB had sent up! I was so mad at myself, especially considering that I bought this plant with the intention of enjoying it while I wait for my other orchids to bloom...

So... anyone have experience with this hybrid? Any chance I might get another spike this year? It's sitting outside in morning sun in a clay orchid pot and orchid bark mix. Sorry for the lack of pictures, I'm putting from my phone.

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[silverstoli]

Mine is putting out double spikes. The second one came out on the opposite side about a week after I noticed the first one. You might get lucky!

[78Terp]

So sorry to hear the news. Don't know the answer to your question. Most of us have broken a spike before. Welcome to the club! I have knocked off a new growth or 2 while repotting but never a spike.......yet.

I have broken 2 spikes and recently partially broke another (only the top 1/3 of the spike so the rest will bloom soon). It is my oncidium Twinkle White Fantasy which is mounted. I damaged 1 of 2 spikes while watering it.

[raybark]

I don't believe it will. Most sympodial plants are "one shot wonders".

[dlbush]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. Even if it doesn't spike again this year I'll enjoy the foliage for as long as I can and patiently wait until next year. It truly is a beautiful plant.

Orchids are very good at teaching us patience. Although this may just mean that I have to buy another in spike plant to enjoy in the meantime... hehehe.
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[dlbush]

I'm so happy!

Two weeks after I accidentally broke off the last spike, the Monnierara is putting out a new spike on the opposite side!!! After I repotted it I just kept watering normally and fertilizing weakly (1/8 recommended) every few waterings.

Here are some pictures.

The old broken off spike side.



The new spike (I hope).



The whole plant. It's a little lopsided because the roots haven't fully settled into the new potting medium.

[silverstoli]

Yay!!
!

[dlbush]

Should I be worried about ants congregating around the new spike? I always see two or three when I go out to check on the plants.
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[zainal abidin]

Should I be worried about ants congregating around the new spike? I always see two or three when I go out to check on the plants.
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Don't worry leave it alone that is normal for the orchids they love the honey secreted by the spike.

[dlbush]

Thanks Zainal Abidin. That puts my mind at ease coming from an experienced grower like you.