My sick/dying Phal needs some help!

[wcottee]

I have read that when an orchid is "sick" it sometimes throws up a spike as a sort of "Hail Mary pass". Has anyone else heard that?

[Swamper]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Wow, that phal looks like a ghost orchid, since it doesn't have any leaves! With so many nice healthy roots, the plant is bound to make a basal keiki soon. It doesn't have a choice if it wants to survive. How long has it been leafless?

Camille that's exactly what I thought of when I saw the picture..ghost orchid... I have a phal on a tree and something ate the leaves and then what was left of them fell off and I thought it was dead but now it has 3 small leaves growing. I was all ready to put something else there in that tree since it's a sellers market in my tree real estate market but she came back to life, oh well.
Your roots look really good and I wouldn't be surprised if it came back.

[Swamper]

Originally Posted by wcottee

I have read that when an orchid is "sick" it sometimes throws up a spike as a sort of "Hail Mary pass". Has anyone else heard that?

I have read that too but I don't know much about much either. I like the Hail Mary pass though.
So...this was about a month ago...what ever became of ithe pass? touchdown or end of game?

[Jkelee]

She's still very healthy, and blooming still.
Just no new growth, at all...

[Swamper]

I was just getting ready to pm you and ask you again, Im not very patient as you can see...anyway keep us posted

[Jkelee]

Will do Swamper! If she doesn't grow this spring, I'll be taking her off her 'home', and put someone happy on there! And baby her to death with sphag and bag I guess..

[Swamper]

I just checked out all your pics in photobucket. I'm more than a little jelous you have got some nice nice stuff.

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by wcottee

I have read that when an orchid is "sick" it sometimes throws up a spike as a sort of "Hail Mary pass". Has anyone else heard that?

Many times, when a Phal is about to croak, it'll throw up a terminal spike, coming from the crown of the plant and many times, when a Phal is in dire straits, a basal keiki will grow in it's last ditch effort.

Jackie, I wouldn't cut anything on this. The spike may grow a keiki and a basal keiki may happen too and chances are easier if not feeding the spike but, I'd let it dictate when to remove.

[Rodcuda]

As long as the roots are good you have a good chance of saving it. I would not remove it from its mount. I would cut the spike and if it is an important plant use some kiki paste.

[phearamedusa]

I'd leave it alone it may produce a basal kieki, and one on the spike. I had a couple where there was nothing left but the roots, one keiki'd and one is still deciding what it wants to do. Give it time, just keep the medium damp, and have some patience, it may surprise you.