Did I cut my phal spike too short?

[alannanoelle]

I am afraid I may have cut the spike too short - I can't even find it anymore! Did I ruin my phal?!?!?!

[rmack5]

I am by no means an expert, however, I think it will be fine.

[kiki-do]

Yes, it will be fine. Don't worry!

[mayres]

No such thing as TOO SHORT in my opinion - this time of year (especially) I cut any phal spikes I have as close to the plant as possible - I want all the energy of the plant going into building strong leaves and roots for next season's NEW spike. Of course there are many ways to do spikes with phals and all will work to one degree or other - this is just my philosophy on them.

[camille1585]

It's fine! Phals only bloom once off a spike, then usually it turns yellow and dries up. Some people like to cut it above the last node to encourage a small spike to grow from a node, and others just cut it off at the bottom. Bith ways is fine, but I think cutting it off all the way is better since the plant saves its energy for the next spike!

[priz_m]

Alanna, your phal will be ok I too cut it back all the way to the base of the plant

[alannanoelle]

Thank you all for the reassurance! I am so new to this...I am always paranoid I'm doing it wrong! :P

[RosieC]

I agree with the line of thought that you SHOULD cut them right back when they are finished. Having said that my mother-in-law has some nice blooms off a small spike that grew off the last one on the Phal we gave her for mothers day.

They will often flower again sooner if you leave the old spike... but generally far less flowers than off a new spike. If you cut it right back the plant puts lots of energy into growing then provided it's happy will start a brand new spike which will get loads and loads of flowers.

[alannanoelle]

How long does it usually take for a new spike to start? My blooms all fell off around the end of June. I didn't cut the spike all the way off until a week ago, but there has only been root growth, and no new spike. I know I'm impatient, but a general time frame might help me be a little more patient!

[bonsai1504]

i always cut the spikes on mine as close as possible so the orchid can start getting ready for next year's spike. some people re-bloom theirs but the flowers are smaller, there are fewer of them, and it can even make the orchid skip its next bloom season!
and, spikes come in late winter and early spring.