An orchid terminal spike emerges from the very center, or apex, of the plant’s primary growing point. Its appearance signals a significant shift in the orchid’s growth pattern.
Understanding the Orchid Terminal Spike
A terminal spike is visually distinct because it originates directly from the orchid’s crown, its central growing point. This means the main stem’s ability to produce new leaves from that point is halted. In contrast, a normal flower spike typically develops from a leaf axil, the angle between a leaf and the stem, allowing the main plant to continue vegetative growth unimpeded.
Orchids, particularly monopodial types like Phalaenopsis, may produce a terminal spike due to environmental stress, such as temperature fluctuations or inconsistent watering. It can also be a natural part of the plant’s aging process or a result of genetic predisposition, as seen in certain Phalaenopsis varieties.
What a Terminal Spike Means for Your Orchid
A terminal spike indicates the orchid’s main growth point will no longer produce new leaves. While the crown that generated the spike ceases vegetative development, the entire orchid does not immediately succumb.
A common outcome after a terminal spike is the development of keikis, Hawaiian for “baby” plants. These offsets are the orchid’s natural method of propagation, often emerging from dormant nodes along the flower spike or at the base of the main plant. The orchid channels its energy into producing these new growths, ensuring the continuation of its lineage. The main plant may continue to live, potentially supporting the growth of these keikis, but its primary vegetative growth from the crown is permanently concluded.
Caring for an Orchid with a Terminal Spike
When an orchid develops a terminal spike, maintaining optimal general care is important to support the plant and encourage keiki development. Consistent light, appropriate watering, adequate humidity, and good air circulation are key factors for the orchid’s health. Providing these stable conditions helps the main plant conserve energy and direct it toward survival.
Encouraging keiki formation is a primary focus after a terminal spike. Maintaining higher humidity and consistent, gentle care around the orchid can be beneficial. While some orchid enthusiasts use keiki paste, a hormone-rich compound, to stimulate growth from dormant nodes, its effectiveness can vary, and it should be applied carefully.
As keikis develop, they will produce their own leaves and roots. It is advised to wait until a keiki has developed at least two to three leaves and its roots are approximately one to three inches long before considering separation. Once these conditions are met, the keiki can be carefully separated from the mother plant and potted independently, allowing it to establish itself as a new, viable orchid. If no keikis appear and the main plant eventually declines, the orchid has completed its life cycle without producing new offsets.