Phal. Spike Stem -- tip broke... - Orchid Board

JDawggie · #1 11-24-2012, 10:22 AM

I accidently broke the tip off of my phal spike when moving it back to the shelf!!

I am especially annoyed because the spike/stem was looking super healthy...it was about 14inches long already and just started to to form bud-like nodules....it broke approximately 3 inches off the tip.

Is there anything I can do? Or just chalk it up to a bummer and cut the spike?

NOT the way I wanted to start the holiday season!!!!!

Thanks,
Jared

james mickelso · #2 11-24-2012, 10:54 AM

You should still get some flowers since it was so long. It will most likely push another side spike out of the broken spike too. Patience padawan

silken · #3 11-24-2012, 10:56 AM

NO! Don't cut the spike! Many Phals will send a new spike out from one of the nodes on the existing spike. Since it hadn't even flowered yet, chances are good that it will do this. Just keep treating it as you were. Once buds form, don't change the orientation and the flowers will present themselves more evenly and all turned one way. Good luck!

Jayfar · #4 11-24-2012, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silken

NO! Don't cut the spike! Many Phals will send a new spike out from one of the nodes on the existing spike. Since it hadn't even flowered yet, chances are good that it will do this. Just keep treating it as you were. Once buds form, don't change the orientation and the flowers will present themselves more evenly and all turned one way. Good luck!

I second that motion. What's more, if you keep the plant in the same orientation to the light, most likely the new sub-spike will continue upwards in the same trajectory, such that you'll barely notice the break. At least that's been my experience.

Phalchid · #5 11-24-2012, 11:17 AM

I totally agree with what James Mickelso and Silken say. Don't cut the spike; it will surely give off spikes from one of the nodes on top. Good luck!

cbuchman · #6 11-24-2012, 11:33 AM

Same from me!

JDawggie · #7 11-24-2012, 12:45 PM

Excellent news!

Many thank to everyone! I will continue to let it do it's thing and keep it in the same position to light.
Thanks again all!

I will let everyone know how it turns out!

Jared

fishmommy · #8 11-24-2012, 12:48 PM

yep, I have had branches form below a broken tip. I was so happy/relieved!

Don't cut the spike, and don't despair!

JDawggie · #9 12-29-2012, 11:26 AM

Happy to report -- the spike shot out right from the broken point of the stem...All is well!

Thanks again -- Happy New Year to everyone!

Jared