Did I make a mistake? - Orchid Board

joe12 · #1 12-13-2008, 12:44 AM

About a week ago the blooms on my phalaenopsis began to die. I had read in several places that after the last bloom drops, the spike should be cut back to the base, so when the last one died, I sterilized a knife and cut the spike as close to the leaves as possible and then sprinkled the cut with cinnamon. Was this a good idea? Immediately after I cut the spike I started to worry and I hope that I haven't killed my plant.

ronaldhanko · #2 12-13-2008, 12:55 AM

You haven't killed your plant - not to worry about that. Phalaenopsis spikes will sometimes produce more flowers on side branches or new plants (keikis) at the nodes on the spike, so most people do not cut the spikes, but cutting them does not damage the plant.

BikerDoc5968 · #3 12-13-2008, 09:01 AM

Joe, not to worry.... While I don't know about Ron's comment that "most people" not cutting spikes, I for one cut back to the plant as you have done. I have read and believe from personal experience that cutting the spike may take a bit longer the next time to get a nice spike, the flowers are typically larger and more numerous. This isn't meant to infer that those who cut the old spike just below the last flower don't get beautiful shows next time around....

As for the cinnamon thing....flower spikes are a one-way highway to the flower and therefor don't provide a vehicle for fungal infection of the main plant. I never use anything on my cut spikes and have never had a problem.... having said that, don't you know there is always a first time for everything.....given enough time and something nasty may happen in my GH!

cb977 · #4 12-13-2008, 09:43 AM

There are two ways people approach this situation when it comes to Phals...

some people will keep the spike once the flower drops, hoping for a second bloom. Others cut the spike down after the bloom drops and waits for it's next bloom cycle.

I prefer to cut down the spike. In my opinion, even if the spike blooms a second time, those blooms are usually not as spectacular as the first one was. I'd rather cut the spike and allow the plant to put all it's energy into itself and producing a fabulous bloom on the next cycle.

Some Phal species are known to produce keikis (babies) on their spikes so those shouldn't be cut unless they are brown and shriveled. The standard store-bought Phal is most likely not in that group.

Your Phal will be fine, just care for it until the next spike comes along

I also don't put cinnamon on cut spikes. I only use it if there is an open wound on the plant itself. Adding cinnamon wouldn't hurt the plant but it really isn't needed on spent spikes

Ray · #5 12-13-2008, 10:53 AM

Yes, you did make a HUGE mistake - starting to grow orchids in the first place!

Now you're stuck with an ever-growing collection, a new stack of concerns whenever you move to a genus you aren't familiar with, and a brand new (as if we needed it) way to spend all of your money.

As far as that plant goes...no issue whatsoever.

cb977 · #6 12-13-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Yes, you did make a HUGE mistake - starting to grow orchids in the first place!

joe12 · #7 12-13-2008, 10:38 PM

Thanks so much for all the advice! Now I have just one more question: Is there anything I should do differently now that there is no spike?
ie: should I fertilize differently or water differently?
Thanks again!

ronaldhanko · #8 12-13-2008, 10:41 PM

Nope. Just keep up what you're doing.

cb977 · #9 12-13-2008, 10:43 PM

LOL...Ronald beat me to the answer!

Just keep doing whatever you've been doing