What to do w/ wilting phal flowers

[expressmailtome]

A few weeks ago I purchased a phal. hybrid at Home Depot. It has two spikes with flowers on them. A few days ago the flowers began wilting and falling off. I did not know what to do once the flowers fall off. I was not sure if I cut the spikes back or if I just leave them bare?

Thank you for any help in advance!

Matt

[bdelfiero]

Most phal that purchased in store like home depot need to be re potted soon, most of them are having bad roots system and you have to save them. Since the flowers are wilted, I think it's time to cut the spike and repot to the fresh media and wait for the next season to give you blooms.

[RosieC]

Hi Matt,

There are a couple of reasons for this and the cause will affect what you should do with it.

If all the flowers were open then it is quite possible the phal was just at the end of flowering and it is quite normal behaviour. In which case just cut the spike down close to the leaves (as close as you can without damaging the leaves). It is then worth considering repotting because Phals from Home Depot are usually best repotted soon after you get them.

If there were still buds and they are falling unopened then you may have bud blast which happens with a change in enviroment, if that's the case the advise is still the same as above.

BUT early dropping of buds/flowers may indicate problems. If the buds have dropped early then it is really important to repot and check the roots carefull to ensure they are healty.

[expressmailtome]

Thank you both! The spikes were both in full bloom when I brought it. I was planning on repooting it into a s/h medium. I just wanted to wait until it was done blooming.

Matt

[RosieC]

Just be aware that repotting to S/H should be done when there is active new root growth as S/H usually caused the old roots to die.

[expressmailtome]

Thank you! I will check the roots first.

Matt