First Flowering or second flowing? - Orchid Board

bizliz27 · #1 02-25-2009, 10:09 AM

Hi,
I recently bought a Phal and it has loads of beautiful flowers and new buds coming through.

I had a Phal before but due to no knowing I had to cut it back it did not survive

I am now ever more determined not to let this happen again. I have been researching when and where to cut the stem when cutting back and most come up up with the same idea of cutting it an inch from the leaves (I also had a great read on the other post in this beginner section about cutting) But I did find one Orchid site that said after the first flowing is over I cut it back to about an inch above the first notch and then after its second flowering I cut it right back to an inch from the leaves. As I've only had my Phal a little while how do I know what is its first flowering and second flowering? Do they occur at different times of the year? Should I just cut it back to the leaves when the flowers drop off?

Sorry for the really long message, im not used to writing threads etc. I am very much a newbie

Elizabeth

Phalguy · #2 02-25-2009, 10:25 AM

Hello Elisabeth!

I usually cut my spike when the flowers are over. I never force the plant to bloom a second time due to the fact it takes lot`s of energy to the plant to do so and I prefer wait another saison than force it to bloom again.
But if you want to try it, just cut the spike 1 inch under the first flower. The plant will usually do another spike from the node just under the cut and create branching to bloom again.

claude

bizliz27 · #3 02-25-2009, 10:31 AM

Thankyou,

that makes sense now - I didnt realise the second bloom was forcing it. I will opt for one bloom so that it makes it stronger for the next one. Do you still suggest cutting it down to about an inch above the leaves once to flowers have dropped off?

Elizabeth

Phalguy · #4 02-25-2009, 11:59 AM

To cut or not, it depends... If the spike is still green when the flower has dropped , I don`t cut it. If the spike is dry and brown, I cut it.

We should not cut the spike on phal species or yellow phals since they have the tendancy to rebloom on the same spike... ;-)

Claude

bizliz27 · #5 02-25-2009, 08:03 PM

thank you for all your help.