People adore orchids for their showy flowers and exotic look. But it’s no secret that they’re notorious for being quite a demanding plant to take care of. But if you do a stellar job, you’re rewarded with a double-spiked orchid. What is that, you ask?
As a whole, a double spike orchid is a phalaenopsis/moth orchid with a pair of spikes growing simultaneously and producing flowers. It used to be a unique phenomenon because only optimal living conditions encourage such growth. These days, moth orchids have been hybridized to contain this trait.
If you’d like to try growing double spikes in your orchids, keep reading below for helpful tips and more information about them:
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Table of contents
What is a Double Spike Orchid?
As mentioned in the introduction, it’s a moth orchid with an actively growing pair of spikes. The fact that the plant has enough energy to develop them both at once is a testament to how much they are thriving in their ideal environment. In indoor settings, this is almost near-impossible to achieve because they are fussy about having the right temperature and humidity.
But why do some orchids have two spikes? It may be a hereditary growth trait due to hybridization between various orchid species. But bear in mind, this is not a guarantee that your orchid will produce double spikes. It only means it can do so, but it won’t grow them at all without superb living conditions.
How Do You Get Double Flower Spikes on an Orchid to Grow?
1. Choose the Right Variety of Orchids, i.e., Phalaenopsis
This is the most common orchid you’ll often see being sold almost everywhere. Get one of these babies, and you’ll probably have it growing double spikes when it is thoroughly satisfied in its new home. Other orchid varieties that can produce a set of flowering spikes are Dendrobium, Oncidium, and occasionally Vanda.
It’s important to note that this is a big part of getting your orchid to grow double spikes. If it’s not the correct variety, it’s unlikely it will produce a double spike. If you’ve got this down, then let’s shift focus to providing the best care your plant can get:
2. How to Grow a Double Spike Orchid:
a. Plant in Coarse Bark Potting Medium
Like Air Plants/Tillandsia, orchids are epiphytes; they grow on top of another plant for support without stealing their nutrients. As such, they don’t like your average potting soil mix but rather a mixture of coarse materials such as tree bark, volcanic rock, and charcoal. If you stick them on a piece of wood, their roots will latch around the structure and just grow. I know; they are clingy little koalas like that. At least they won’t shriek and throw a tantrum when they fall off a tree, though.
b. Place in a Large, Plastic Transparent Container to Observe their Roots
You want something large enough to accommodate your orchid’s roots, and this will vary depending on the size. Keep in mind that their roots will definitely try to grow out as well. Don’t worry; this is common; they’re just trying to find something to hold on to. Just like you once did during prom night.
But if the roots have gone out of hand and are vigorously growing out of the pot, it might be time to get the plant a new home with a fresh potting medium. Only repot your orchids between February and June when it is actively growing leaves and new roots just after it’s done flowering. You can also place them in hanging baskets, or as mentioned before, a piece of wood. They’re not that picky as long as their roots get to be free and not too confined in a small space.
c. Plenty of Bright, Indirect Light; Away from Direct Sun
The only thing you need to worry about with your orchid’s sunlight needs is ensuring it gets even exposure on all sides. Apart from them, setting them in a bright open space by a curtained window is enough for them to grow well. If you notice the plant’s foliage looking scorched, it might be receiving too much direct sunlight. A few days in a shadier location will allow it to recover eventually.
d. Weekly Water Soaking The Roots to Ensure it is Constantly Moist
Orchids have thick roots that prefer to stay damp and not dried out. There are two ways you can do this:
- Take the plant out of its pot and soak it in a bowl of water for a few minutes. This can be done every week.
- Water the potting medium thoroughly every 4-5 days, letting excess moisture drain out. Be careful not to water the orchid’s top foliage as this will cause it to develop crown rot.
e. Use a Humidifier to Ensure a High Humidity Environment for the Plant
Keeping in mind orchids are tropical plants, they require higher humidity levels than what most homes have. You can easily accommodate your plant by placing a humidifier in the room it’s in. Or you can also use any of the following methods in this article to increase the area’s humidity levels.
f. Provide Warm Days with 70-80° F and Cooler Nights with 55° F
The cooler nights aid the plant in storing the nutrients it creates during the daytime rather than using them. This temperature contrast is crucial in inducing flower spikes to grow in your orchid, especially for phalaenopsis/moth orchids. If it’s too hot or too cold, the plant won’t bloom at all and exhibit temperature-stress damages such as black rot and loss of leaves. If you live in temperate regions, you can place your orchids outside for a day or two to experience the coolness needed to encourage blooming. Otherwise, an area near an open window is adequate enough.
g. Only Fertilize Orchids When it Actively Growing Spikes & Flowers
Orchids don’t really need any fertilizers in general. But you can give it a boost of nutrients when it is producing new growth. A good rule of thumb for feeding orchids is to always give it ¼ strength of the fertilizer dose. The less you give it, the better off it will be. In winter, when the plant is in its dormant stage, avoid giving it any to prevent fertilizer burn.
Final Words
It may be challenging but definitely not impossible to get your orchids to grow double spikes. All it requires is a minor tweak in temperature, picking the suitable variety and everything else comes easy when you have the proper knowledge. Here’s to you and your orchids; may they blossom and prosper. Happy planting!
References:
https://staugorchidsociety.org/PDF/ApicalDominanceandGrowthPatternsbySueBottom.pdf
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/orchids.html
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing_orchids_for_beginners
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1634.pdf
https://gardens.si.edu/collections/plants/orchids/orchid-care-sheets/phalaenopsis/
https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchid-care/orchids-101.aspx
https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchids-question-answer/phalaenopsis-spiking.aspx
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-phalaenopsis-orchids-moth-orchids
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/orchids/
https://www.aos.org/orchids/additional-resources/temperature-ranges.aspx
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