Cymbidium Orchid - when do I bring it in!

I reckon that if it doesn't flower this year, next year could be a good one.

 

Hi Charlie. Did your Geraniums survive the winter.

 

As an addendum - I'm feeling good. I bought two orchids beginning of last year that were in flower for a couple of months. Today I noticed one has another flower spike after months of just the occasional new leaf. I must be doing something right

 

Thank you all very much for the advice. I have decided to leave it on the balcony as I couldnt hope to get low enough night time temperatures in the flat. However having first thought that the spikes were flower spikes looking at the link Liz has posted above I am now not as convinced. I have therefore taken very close up photos of the spikes for your final evaluations. Incidentally I have also found a third spike which seems to have come up over the last 2 days in a completely separate part of the plant. Also in response to Liz's comments on the rigidity of the spike. On all three I get quite a lot of movement. The only thing which makes me think they may just be leaf bulbs is the fact that they dont appear to have that bulbous shape which if you look on the link is quite pronounced. They are very definately pointed.
The first photo is of the newly discovered spike

The second photo is of both the original spikes

The third photo is a closer shot of the smaller of the original two with the larger on the left half shown

 

They look like new leaf spikes to me.

 

Sadly I think you're right Pete - I was getting quite excited

 

CYMBIDIUM.
temperature a minimum of 10-14 c is required.
it helps if plants have a spell outdoors from june to september to encourage flower bud initiation.
gradually acclimatise plants to sunlght to prevent leaf scorch.
while flower spikes are developing, night time temp should be below 15c.
FLOWERING.
this can occur from November to may, with flower spike lasting up to 8 weeks, support developing spikes with a cane and cut down to 2" when flowers have faded.
WATERING & FEEDING.
from spring to autumn water from the top and allow excess water to drain away, compost should dry out between watering.
moderate feeding during growing season is benificial, use a general purpose liquid feed at half strength every THIRD watering.
In winter reduce the watering and allow plants to dry out for a time.

 

I think that's a good thing. even more flowers next year.

I wish mine would grow new shoots.

 

Hi Charlie, Bearing in mind that I have only 3 cymbidiums which have had 5 new spikes in my care, i'm not an expert like the others. Rich says the flower spikes are unmistakeable, and maybe when you've had a few then they are!
It strikes me, as far as I can see, the new spike looks rounder all the way down, which is what I look for, and also you say it has grown fast, which is what Rich said.
So, fingers crossed!
So far mine have loads of new shoots but no flowers.

 

Quite honestly I now still have no idea if they are flower spikes or not. Some of the indicators point to flower spikes and some not. I think I will have to sit it out and wait and see. If they dont flower then the chances that they will next year is high.
Thank you all for the help

 

Its not a good example Charlie, but it does show the difference between the two types of shoot.

 

Pete, I think it's an excellent example, you can see a little leaf shoot next to it, so you can see that the flowers go up and are round, whereas the leaves start opening.
I was getting excited there, I thought it was Charlies' picture!
You're all such good photographers. :(

 

Thanks Pete - I was given one of those last year, now I'll be able to recognise what is new leaf, and what is flower spike. Excellent picture.

 

When I say its not a good example I mean its a bit of a puny flower spike.

 

This thread has been an excellent example of how to work out a problem with everyone contributing. Thank you all very much. I am now convinced that my shoots are not flower spikes - sadly. Pete's photo has clinched it. You can see a very definite difference between the flower spike and the leaf and I'm afraid mine are too much like the latter.
My next concern is that perhaps I will always get these damn leaves and what do I have to do to get a flower spike?
I agree with Fran and Liz the photo has been a great help and I will never be in any doubt again!
What a great forum discussion.