Should I cut my paphiopedalum spike?

[claytonkroh]

I received a new paphiopedalum the other day. It was in bloom, but rough shipping and broken off the single bud.

Should I cut the spike it had, or should I leave it alone? Any benefits for either course?

Thanks!

[aliceinwl]

If you leave the spike the plant will re-absorb any nutrients etc. present. My spent Phaph spikes usually dry up within a few weeks so I just wait to cut them until then. Cutting now though is probably fine too.