When to cut old spikes

[poppy86orchids]

So would this be where the last bloom was, or below? Sorry I must sound far too novice to even own a Vanda! I am confused of the spike ends, and the stem begins.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by D-D-

Hello Rosie, I don't know if I'm doing this correctly as I have little experience using this type of communication. ( For instance I lost my original attempt to comment when I tried to correct the spelling.) The only phals I have seen produce spikes from between the leaves near the base. The one I spoke of was a large white (and I've always regretted not having knowledge or contacts that could have cloned it.) It is the only one I've had that spiked so profusely the one began to flower before the last died. Several people from the sreet thought it was artificial. The nearest is one currently coming into flower with two spikes each with three brantches. However they will flower and die at approx the same time. D-D-

I can't remeber where I read about these. But I'm fairly sure that I remember it was a slightly different type of Phal that blooms in that way. Most grow a spike (maybe with branches) and the spike stops growing when the flowers start opening. A few months after the flowers drop the spike may start growing again but not always.

I think most of this thread has been about that sort, but my understanding is that the sort whose spike keeps growing when it's in flower and keeps putting out more flowers as each one dies off should always have the spike left on.

Wish I could remember where I read it though.

[D-D-]

Hi Rosie, I'm mystified. I thought you may have been thinking of Doritis or one of the highbreds such as vandanopsis. But all appear to spike from the stem near the roots.D-D-

[RosieC]

I'm afraid I can't locate the information I found before.
Although a google search shows that some sites are selling 'continuous flowering' phalenopsis.

I don't think I dreamt it

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by poppy86orchids

So would this be where the last bloom was, or below? Sorry I must sound far too novice to even own a Vanda! I am confused of the spike ends, and the stem begins.

I'm afraid I don't know much about Vandas but from pictures I've seen I imagine you should be able to see a thiner spike which is not part of the actual plant.

They seem to have central stem with the leaves growing out of it. This is the actual plant and should not be cut. Is there then a thinner spike which had the flowers on which grows out of the plant.

If so this is the bit which should be cut back as close to the plant as possible (without damaging the plant).

If not then maybe someone with more Vanda experience will be able to help.

[poppy86orchids]

Thanks for your help ... I've done ... I've cut the spike that has gone brown/yellow! Scared!
On looking over the leaves, I appear to have another spike coming, I think, hope and pray!