Recovering Orchid making flower spike

[monivik]

I'm taking care of an older person's Phalaenopsis while she is away, or rather stuck in another part of the world because of Corona virus. I've been looking after the Phalaenopsis since February. When I got to the orchid it was super dehydrated. Wrinkly leaves and hardly any roots left. I repotted it, by the way. The thing is that it had two tall flower spikes (that the lady had cut down after blooming). As I took the orchid to my apartment to keep a closer eye on it, it started giving side spikes on the spikes that were on there and flower buds. I was thinking it's no good because this orchid with such few roots, should be making roots and leaves instead. So I cut one flower spike away, the other one I cut down as I felt it needed something to attach that stick to it so it stays in the pot, since there are no deep roots.

Point is, now the spike that I left on is still making new flower buds. Plus the plant is making an entirely new flower spike on the other side.

It seems like no matter what this Phal is intent on making flowers, in spite of it's condition.

What do you suggest?

[SouthPark]

One option is to just cut the spikes right off - at the base.

Since this orchid is somebody else's, then the focus is to get it healthy and nice again - ie. not to make it need to produce flowers in its weak condition.

[monivik]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

One option is to just cut the spikes right off - at the base.

Thanks. Is that better? Will that encourage the orchid to make more roots?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by monivik

Thanks. Is that better? Will that encourage the orchid to make more roots?

monivik ------ I believe that the orchid could then use the resources to grow more roots and leaves etc. It also depends on just how many roots (and how much) it has right now. Some pics could help with the assessment.

The nice thing is that it sounds like you got the wrinkled leaves situation under control ------ that is, you're definitely helping that person to keep their orchid alive.

[estación seca]

The plant made spikes because it had recovered enough to do so. I would have left them. I bet the owner would have liked to see photos of the flowers.

Edit after seeing photos: It looks healthy. You have taken excellent care of it. Let it flower.

[monivik]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

monivik ------ I believe that the orchid could then use the resources to grow more roots and leaves etc. It also depends on just how many roots (and how much) it has right now. Some pics could help with the assessment.

The nice thing is that it sounds like you got the wrinkled leaves situation under control ------ that is, you're definitely helping that person to keep their orchid alive.

Thanks. Here are some pictures.

[monivik]

Here are the pictures.

I haven't cut off the flower spikes yet. I am indeed doubting, as it is an old lady's and I know she loves to see flowers on it.

Last time she gave me an orchid for saving saying it only gave flowers once she was so disappointed. But she kept the plant where there was hardly any daylight, and then the apartment is so hot. She's got the heating up so high most of the year. I think that's why this one started blooming when I brought it to my house. There was a big temperature difference.

But then I was just thinking, what is better for the orchid. It is making a new leaf too.

[SouthPark]

monivik ------ thanks for uploading those photos.

From the look of the plant right there, it is fine and no problem to allow it to flower.

The plant is just fine and well. There's no problem with that one at all.

[monivik]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

monivik ------ thanks for uploading those photos.

From the look of the plant right there, it is fine and no problem to allow it to flower.

The plant is just fine and well. There's no problem with that one at all.

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that. I think the Phal made a recovery since I brought it to my house. It was super dehydrated, really wrinkly and limp leaves. So I guess I've done good then looking after it. That's a relief.