trimming spike - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 07-23-2008, 09:05 AM

Hi,
I have a Den. whose flowers have faded and the last one fell off yesterday. Should I cut the spike now or wait until it turns brown?

Thanks,
Vicki

Junebug · #2 07-23-2008, 09:47 AM

Do you know what type of Dend. you have? Generally the evergreen type (sometimes refered to as the Phalaenopsis type) have a long spike that produces many flowers. It will not re-bloom and should be cut about 1" from where it emerges from the cane. This will focus the plants energy on developing new canes and root growth and will prevent kikei (baby orchid) formation along the old spike.

There are other types of Dends., some of which are deciduous (losing their leaves during winter). They are often refered to as Nobiles. This type generally produce flowers from nodes along bare, leafless canes that were produced by the plant the previous year. They usually bloom in spring and their old canes should not be removed because they have the potential to bloom again. I hope this was helpful.

VickiC · #3 07-23-2008, 10:08 AM

No, I don't know what type it is. It has canes, a long spike emerging from one, and the flowers have bloomed for a few months. There is another spike on it that has already been cut, but rather than cut this one the same way, I wanted to get your opinion because I wasn't sure they cut the other one where it was supposed to be cut....which was cut, as you said, about 11" from where it emerged from the cane.
Thanks for your help,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junebug

Do you know what type of Dend. you have? Generally the evergreen type (sometimes refered to as the Phalaenopsis type) have a long spike that produces many flowers. It will not re-bloom and should be cut about 1" from where it emerges from the cane. This will focus the plants energy on developing new canes and root growth and will prevent kikei (baby orchid) formation along the old spike.

There are other types of Dends., some of which are deciduous (losing their leaves during winter). They are often refered to as Nobiles. This type generally produce flowers from nodes along bare, leafless canes that were produced by the plant the previous year. They usually bloom in spring and their old canes should not be removed because they have the potential to bloom again. I hope this was helpful.

Chubidubi · #4 07-23-2008, 11:06 AM

I generally leave the spike until the plant sucks it dry ( I know this sounds strange ). When this happens I just cut it to about an inch from the cane. Just remember never to cut the cane itself.

VickiC · #5 07-23-2008, 11:33 AM

Junebug, once again, thank you! I appreciate your help. I'm glad to learn your info....but I'd like to know from you or someone if I should cut the spike now, while it's still green, or later when it turns brown. I would appreciate it if you will let me know, please, if you don'
t mind....and have time, of course.
Thanks!
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junebug

Do you know what type of Dend. you have? Generally the evergreen type (sometimes refered to as the Phalaenopsis type) have a long spike that produces many flowers. It will not re-bloom and should be cut about 1" from where it emerges from the cane. This will focus the plants energy on developing new canes and root growth and will prevent kikei (baby orchid) formation along the old spike.

There are other types of Dends., some of which are deciduous (losing their leaves during winter). They are often refered to as Nobiles. This type generally produce flowers from nodes along bare, leafless canes that were produced by the plant the previous year. They usually bloom in spring and their old canes should not be removed because they have the potential to bloom again. I hope this was helpful.

***
Hi,
I have a Den. whose flowers have faded and the last one fell off yesterday. Should I cut the spike now or wait until it turns brown?
Thanks,
Vicki

JennS · #6 07-23-2008, 11:45 AM

It is really your choice to cut the spike now or later on. I have done both and it doesn't appear to make too much of a difference with Dendrobiums. If you cut the spike now, while it is still green, the plant may get a slight jump on producing new roots and growth, but it may not make a difference because sometimes orchids just seem to do what they want. I usually cut them after the last flower goes, unless I am just really busy and lazy and then I just cut it when I get a chance. Just don't accidentally cut the plant/cane. Good luck!

Roly0217 · #7 07-23-2008, 12:00 PM

Vicki just like everyone else said. It is up to you. I usually cut my spike right after the last flower drops and seal with candle wax to prevent any type of infection.

Swamper · #8 07-23-2008, 12:12 PM

I don't like cutting green, but only as a personal preference.

Junebug · #9 07-23-2008, 01:08 PM

Hey Vicki,

I tried replying to your quote but for some reason couldn't.

To answer your question...it is a matter of personal preference. I used to leave them until they were brown and brittle but experienced a few disasters when the old spike would snag my clothing and the whole plant got toppled. I also want to reduce the plants stress so it will put forth new psuedobulbs and a strong root system and lessen the chance of keiki formation.

I now cut them when the blooms are almost finished dropping. I apply a little cinnamon on the incision and keep the incised area dry for a few days. This allows the plant to form a scab over the wound and the cinnamon helps prevent infection. Sounds funny, but it works.

When a Dend. like yours reaches maturity you may notice the old Pseudos (also known as back bulbs or previous growth) become shriveled and losing their leaves. This is a normal characteristic. These old shriveled, leafless bulbs can look a bit unsightly but they store an important reserve of energy for the plant and you should not remove them until they become completely dry and yellowed.

Good luck with you Den. and be sure to post pictures.

June

VickiC · #10 08-06-2008, 12:54 PM

Thank you for your reply, Jenn and I'm sorry it has taken me this long to get back to you. Things have been kinda hectic around here, so I've been "chasing my tail" quite a bit. lol Thanks so much for your input. If my plant likes it when I trim the spike....gr8! If not, I'll know next time.

Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennS

It is really your choice to cut the spike now or later on. I have done both and it doesn't appear to make too much of a difference with Dendrobiums. If you cut the spike now, while it is still green, the plant may get a slight jump on producing new roots and growth, but it may not make a difference because sometimes orchids just seem to do what they want. I usually cut them after the last flower goes, unless I am just really busy and lazy and then I just cut it when I get a chance. Just don't accidentally cut the plant/cane. Good luck!