Phalaenopsis new growth on plant in bloom?

[Asca]

New member. Hi

From my understanding Phalaenopsis have two cycles of growth, they grow the spike and bloom then later once blooming is over they produce new growth ie leaves.

Two Phalaenopsis that I have, one mounted on a branch has been in bloom since January and is producing a new leaf, There is a small growth on the spike at a lower node that looks like new buds. I've been waiting for the blooms to fall off to cut the spike and get another bloom from the new growth, but now that it is also growing a new leaf i'm not sure.

Second plant is in bark in a large pot, 2nd year I've had it, this winter there were two spikes but we had problems with the heating and the buds dried up so I cut the dried up portions. In January it started making a new leaf, now however (I re-potted two weeks ago) a new spike is growing. So it's growing a leaf and a new spike (a branch off from the old spike).

I should add that both plants are in the kitchen where there is a only a north facing window and a pelet stove so the conditions are the same for both, its hot but dry, I tend to water the mounted one when the moss is all dry and crisp, the potted one only once a week, I had watered twice a week but the new leave started to get blisters, so I cut back on the water.

I'm confused because I was under the impression that these two things don't happen simultaneously, its one or the other. Is this normal?

[Lacie]

The plants will do as they please. I've had new leaves and spikes growing at the same time. I say, as long as the plant is healthy, let it do its thing!

[aliceinwl]

Yes, as long as the plant is healthy Phals have no trouble multitasking.

[DeaC]

Phals give a lot of bang for the buck and are such good beginner plants. Yes,let it do its thing.