What should I do with my phal now? Cut? Fertilize?

[christinalkc]

Hi..

I have got this gorgeous phal back in early February and enjoyed the flowers for more than 2 months.... now they all have fell off, and only one remained probably until tomorrow... I would really like it to grow more flowers... Should I cut the spike or should I just leave it alone till it blooms again?

I have this orchid food that I bought for my now dead Dendrobium.... I was wondering if I can use it?

Better Gro Orchid Plus (water soluble orchid food)
20-14-13 No urea.

Any advice? Cut? Fertilize? Thanks in advance

Cheers..

[cirillonb]

if you don't have it yet, go online to the American Orchid Society site and get the free sheet on growing Phals.
First: The stem is complex on this one. You can try to cut back to just above the first node below the first branch (coming up the stalk) It is fairly obvious on the full length picture.
Second: It looks as though the plant could benefit by being repotted. If you've never done it before try to see if someone around does it. Some better plant nurseries will do it for a fee.
Finally: the fertilizer you have is good for any orchid. the Phal likes to be fertilized about once a week or every other week. Follow the printed instructions. You will read to go 1/2 or 1/4 strength but I find that, if using "orchid" fertilizer, it can be used as mentioned on the package.
The plant should be given subdued light meaning in a east or west window but back enough not to get direct sunlight.
good luck
Nick

[RosieC]

On the issue of spike cutting I always go by Ray's advice here.
Spike Cutting

[dounoharm]

i dont believe that partial cutting of the spike is good for the plant, therefore i always cut the spike completely back and let the plant grow another spike when it feels like it, on its normal cycle.....gl!

[cirillonb]

on rethinking your plant it would probably be best to cut the stem down as close to the base as practical. I recently heard a hint to then sprinkle some cinnamon into this place as it is often the site of subsequent bacterial infections.
Cutting the stem off will allow the plant's energy to go to better roots and to offset the stress of the repotting that I think it needs.
Nick

[Izzie]

I've been using that fertilizer for a while now with good results. It's endorsed by the AOS, so can't be half bad.

Since it needs repotting, I'd personally cut off the spike and let the plant focus on growing roots and leaves.