How many spikes can a phal. have before it stresses out?

[myblue66stang]

I bought this phal. about two to three months ago on a warm day here in Michigan, just because it was so blah and colorless outside, I needed some color in the house. Anyway, it is a double spiked phal, and since I brought it home, three new spikes have appeared from nodes on one branch. It appears that there will be another coming under those three, making four on one branch. The second spike looks like one may be emerging. Can a phal handle all of these spikes? (Bonus for me if it will be ok. Great purchase in my mind!) It looks like it will be in bloom for awhile and I am concerned about the potting media. The roots look good, from what I can see, but you never really know until you get in there. Thanks for any help, Cindy

[Swamper]

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a _____ lollipop? LOL sorry I couldn't resist. I think it can handle it with no problem. I think you have a great phal, how big is the plant?

[myblue66stang]

It has a leaf span of about 16 inches. It's a big guy. I was surprised to see one that big at the store. - Cindy

[Swamper]

Sounds great and it's very pretty. Enjoy it.

[trdyl]

Many Phals do have branching spikes. As Swamper said enjoy.

[Pilot]

If the plant has healthy roots and its getting the water and fert it needs, I wouldn't worry about it-- and yes, many phals will branch out like yours, and I wouldn't consider it a separate spike, but just another part of the original spike. No worries-- just take care of it and it'll take care of you!

[RosieC]

I reckon if the plant couldn't cope with it it wouldn't have started putting them out... so just enjoy.

There ARE times when it is best to remove spikes, if a plant is sick it may try to grow flowers as a way of reproducing and if you want to save the plant it can be best to remove them. The other time is if you have FORCED side spikes, by cutting an existing spike (which is really not recomended). But I think otherwise, if it has decided to throw side spikes it must be pretty happy.

[jkofferdahl]

The plant must be quite robust, or it wouldn't be pushing out the new branch on the existing spike. I've had Phals with four, even five active spikes. So long as the plant is healthy enough it will produce.

[myblue66stang]

Thanks everyone. This is new for me. My phals have always just thrown one spike that flowers, flowers fade, and the spike dies back. Nothing too special. It's kind of exciting, waiting to see what will happen next and what it will look like if they all bloom at the same time. Also, excited that this is a BONUS plant, bought for the two spike in bloom, only to have at least five more branches coming. - Cindy

[Hedge]

They can be very robust and flower really well, I have one that had fifty flowers on two spikes, both branching more than once- I'll post a picture