Ok so my Michael Koop's spike has been growing like a weed, but I noticed the other day that something was awry...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p261/Adam498/th_DSCN1806.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p261/Adam498/?action=view&current=DSCN1806.jpg)

I'm sorry i took close-up pics but none of them turned out... If you can't see, the petals are coming out of the bud already, and the buds are barely formed! Has anyone ever experienced or seen this? :confused:

My conditions are pretty good I think... 80-83 F during the day and 58-60 F at night, humidity about 40%, mist in the morning and afternoon... What could it be? It was shipped in sheath. Could that have something to do with it? I hope the flowers turn out ok...

I'll post some up close pics when it gets light out.

is that spike bent in the middle?? from that angle it looks like it.

Yea that also raised concern... It is bent down. But i tought that was more normal than the petals bursting out of the buds in such low spike...:(
Hope I didn't get a defective one...

No you didnt get a defective one. It is pretty much normal when plants in bud are shipped sometimes their flowers don't last very long and sometimes the whole spike can just die back. Also if the spike is bent then the buds will not bloom or come out with abnormal flowers.

No you didnt get a defective one. It is pretty much normal when plants in bud are shipped sometimes their flowers don't last very long and sometimes the whole spike can just die back. Also if the spike is bent then the buds will not bloom or come out with abnormal flowers.

The only thing is that the spike has been growing visibly each day. Hmmm... I just don't know what's up

It is normal because plants suffer from stress when they are being shipped.

Yes. Stress can cause flower and bud loss. Don't worry the plant will make more.

This time may not be the best blooming for this plant, but it looks like a strong plant and you won't have to wait long for it to try again...it will only be two years before the plant is ready to spike again. MKs throw out growths and spikes very rapidly.

Will be interested to see how it looks now though!

I am sure it was an effect of shipping on the buds. Let's hope for more!

I hope the flowers come out right. Post updated pics it will be interesting.

No you didnt get a defective one. It is pretty much normal when plants in bud are shipped sometimes their flowers don't last very long and sometimes the whole spike can just die back. Also if the spike is bent then the buds will not bloom or come out with abnormal flowers.

:iagree::iagree: Yes please do keep us posted!

Yes, stress from shipment can cause bud blast and or abnormal flowers. Plant should be ok once it is acclimated.

It would be a shame if it doesnt flower! I hope that it does!

I like to see the flowers so I hope it blooms.

And so do I...:fcrossed:

So what happened? Did the flowers come out normal?