Phal Done Blooming

[cutebeka]

My first Phal Orchid is finished blooming. I've had it for about 3 or 4 months,and it's very healthy so i'm sure it's the blooming cycle that is over. I know I do not have to cut the stem,no one cuts them in nature and they grow back. i have read online and in books that you only cut the spike if it's dying. Any tips on getting this ready to rebloom again? I do have fertilizer that's mixed in a gallon of water,it does not say how much to give the Orchid,so that was one of my questions. how much fertilizer and how often? Any other tips you guys can think of?


Thank you guys,
Beka

[PeaceLoveOrchids]

Okay, to make it rebloom you cut the stem three nods down, thats what I do and it seems to work. However, only do this when you have a healthy plant as you described. My opinion on handleing phal spikes is wait till it turns brown and shrivels up. Then you are free to cut, some people cut it earlier than that. by the way!

[cutebeka]

Ok so let me get this right lol,cut the spike when it starts dying? I guess i'm cautious about cutting it,being new to this and all feel like i'm gonna kill it lol

Thank you for the welcome!!

[Zoi2]

Some phals will bloom from a node on the flower spike but not all will. If your roots are fat and healthy you might try cutting the spike as Peace suggested, you may get a few additional buds. Personally I cut the spike within an inch of the base of the plant when the flowers start to wilt.
Phals normally bloom late winter-spring and need the temp drop in fall to initiate the bloom cycle. Give your plant good care and culture and you'll have lots of blooms next year.
Joann

[Zoi2]

Oops forgot the fertilizer question.
What kind of fertilizer do you have?
Joann

[cutebeka]

It's Bettr Gro fertilizer for orchids,ialso have a bloom booster one. Okay My Phal is very healthy so I didn't wanna cut it if i didn't absolutely have to ty for the input

[dounoharm]

i always cut my spikes down to the bottom, i think they look too funky poppng out from the side of the spike....and i prefer the plant focus on the next blooming spike....i fert with msu fert about every other watering sometimes every watering in the summer months when they grow a lot....gl

[cutebeka]

I just cut it like Peace said to. We will see how well I do getting it to rebloom,thanks so much everyone