Where would you cut this (phal)? [Pics inside] - Orchid Board

Mr_Elusive · #1 09-22-2009, 09:20 AM

Hi guys, I got my first orchid recently and when I got it, it was in full bloom. That was about a month ago and now all flowers have fallen off. I have a picture from a few weeks ago below. My question is where would you suggest cutting it? Obviously I'm looking to get a bloom the same size or larger if possible. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

camille1585 · #2 09-22-2009, 09:43 AM

If you want blooms that are the same size, you'd better cut the spike at the base. If you cut above the top node to get a respike there, the blooms will be less numerous and probably smaller in size since the plant has less energy (having spent everything in the now dead blooms). You will have to wait longer in the first case, but the plant will spike when it's ready and will have much better blooms than if you force it to respike now.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 09-22-2009, 12:50 PM

I wouldn't cut until the spike has gone dry. It could rebloom or kheiki.

If it's dry, cut all the way down the spike.

Does that pot have drainage holes? If it doesn't, it needs to be moved to a pot that does or you'll end up with plants that contract root rot.

mayres · #4 09-22-2009, 04:44 PM

It comes down to personal preference as there is no right or wrong way to deal with your current spike - if you are looking to get the biggest and largest/most flowers possible on the next blooming my vote is like first noted - cut the current spike at the base and provide the best culture possible to encourage great leaves and roots - a nice spike and flower display will follow. Subspikes on your current spike would normally tend to be smaller flowers and less of them - plus I don't particularly like the aesthetics of the resulting effect......

RosieC · #5 09-23-2009, 05:18 PM

It's a personal preference. I either cut it right down or I leave it to dry up on it's own.

In some Phals cutting just above the last node will prompt a re-spike, but this can force the 'chid to bloom when it is not really strong enough too. The 'chid waists energy, the flowers are probably not as good and the plant may even get too weak and die.

Leaving the spike to do it's own thing and either dry up or re-bloom gives the 'chid the choice to bloom again if it is strong enough, or dry up the spike if it is not.

Cutting the spike right off forces the 'chid to rest before a new spike appears.

RosieC · #6 09-23-2009, 05:24 PM

I would also be concerned over that pot. It looks like a bigger version of the one I bought a Phal in last night. That had a large hole in the bottom but was very very tight fitting on the moss allowing NO air flow to the roots.

I repotted mine straight away. If the roots are very packed in with no air flow it might be worth repotting yours as well.

Nic100 · #7 09-23-2009, 06:32 PM

If it's putting out a new leaf would you then cut the spike, or would you still maybe leave it to do it's own thing?
Sorry, there may be an obvious answer to that question...

RosieC · #8 09-23-2009, 06:44 PM

My own choice would still be to leave it. Most of mine growing new leaves are still flowering anyway.

In the past I've always cut them right off at the base. It can make a neater plant, but I leave them now, unless they dry up on thier own.

Nic100 · #9 09-23-2009, 06:46 PM

I'll do that - thanks! I've got new leaves on every phal except one and I haven't know what to do with with spikes. Thanks Mr Elusive for starting this thread!
And thanks for the advice Rosie, as always!

Mr_Elusive · #10 09-28-2009, 09:16 AM

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the help. I decided to cut the spike after the first node. Hopefully this will give me more flowers or at least a better looking plant. I'll revive this thread and post pictures when I get results.

Thanks again!

P.S. The pot is exactly how Rosie described it. I'll be looking to re-pot very soon!