Question
Hi,
I bought some Cymbidiums about 2 years ago which have never flowered, they now have some spikes coming up from the base of them but how do I tell if they are flower spikes or new growth?
Thanks for your help,
Amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda,

Yes, it can be difficult to tell if what you see is a spike or new growth but it is possible.  New spikes tend to have a roundish bullet shape to them while new growths tend to be somewhat flat with a arrow shaped tip.  Hope yours are bullets and not arrows!  (grin)  

Actually, summer is not the usual time when most cymbidiums produce spikes, they usually appear from mid fall through winter.  So, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere where it is winter right now, they could be spikes.  

But, there are exceptions - there always is!  (grin)  There are some newer hybrids that have become available in the last 10 years or so that can produce spikes and blooms in summer.  For these, it is best to keep them partially shaded and try to keep their growing area from becoming too hot - 85F or lower.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.