Try to get second bloom on spike?

[mimigirl]

I am confused about spent spikes on a phal. Is it better to cut it off at the bottom when finished blooming or try to get a second set of buds from it? Is there some drawback to getting the plant to use that much energy so soon? After the second blooming is finished, when do i resume fertilizing? If you feel like telling me more than i asked believe me i wont complain! I need all the info i can get. thanx:

[WhiteRabbit]

There is no right nor wrong, or "better". Some Phals may get new buds on spikes that were finished blooming without cutting the spike at all - tho the upper portion of the spike may die back, and new buds will come from a lower node.

I do think you are better off to fertilize while the plant is blooming, tho, so the plant isn't lacking in what it needs to grow and bloom well.

[edytka]

Hey mimigirl
It took me a while to finally decide if I should cut the stem or leave it . Its totally up to you , however what you should consider is how are the roots on the phal ?? if they are well , you can go ahead and cut the spike somehow in the middle , ( two nods from the bottom ) but the bloom will not be as heavy as allowing the plant to gain energy and than bloom again. I honestly always cut the stem off completly, this will allow your orchids to gain enough of energy to give you a beautfill spike in few months. I prefer waiting a bit , and getting the best out of the orchid . But thats just my experience. Let us know what have you decided

[RandomGemini]

I left some spikes in place on one of my phals. It rebloomed off of the old spikes about a year later. It worked out pretty well for me. I cut the spikes when the second blooming was done though because the plant hasn't grown a new leaf or new roots since I purchased it and I would rather see that kind of growth. I think as long as you are seeing new roots or leaf growth, you can leave the spike, but if it's been a while and you're not seeing any other growth, I think you should cut the spike back and let the plant focus on new leaves and roots.

[bil]

I waited for the stalks to turn brown before I cut them off, so as some never turned brown, they are still on the plants. The result is that I have a mix of new spikes from the base, and the old spikes reflowering. It's a bit untidy, so it depends on your personal choice, I guess. If I wanted just new spikes to get the absolute best show from the plant, I would definitely remove all the old spikes once the flowers were gone.

[Orchidgirl83]

I usually let the plant tell me what it wants to do with old spikes, unless it is not in good shape, then I cut it off no matter what.

[Karkadann]

I've tried a few methods with my phals spikes. A few of them had their spikes cut back, and within a few months produced new growths from the node just below the cut. This was nice because I didn't have to wait a long time for a brand new spike to grow, but the downside is that the new growths have a tendency to grow sideways.. And not in a good way. I have to train the new spike to grow upwards from the moment it appears to keep it looking nice. Cutting the spike completely can help the plant to focus more on root and leaf growth, if it's struggling health wise. Also, if the spike turns brown or dries out, it needs to go. I've also just left the spikes alone on a few others, and have had mixed results. One of my phals seems to always be in bloom, and is a very healthy plant overall. Another one tries to put out a few buds here and there, but hasn't had a full bloom from the original spikes yet.

[mimigirl]

You guys are great! And WhiteRabbit i didnt know you could feed while in spike or blooming. But it does make sense. Thanks all!