Tip of Phal stalk dried up??

[Justine]

Hey all! One of my Phals is doing something odd. It has been in spike for a few months now, but I don't think it has grown for at least two months. Finally, yesterday I noticed that the tip of the spike is kind of brown and almost looks like it is drying up. The plant seems happy otherwise. Over the past few weeks it has started growing a new leaf and a few new roots. I just don't know what is going on with the spike. Any ideas?? Thanks!

[ryrycochinco]

Its sound like the plant has been shocked by a envirnmental change. Has there been a change of light or temp recently?.I had a orchid once that lost a spike during a heatwave, and like yours the spike turned brown and stopped developing. Anyway, I'd just be thankful the rest of the plant is ok.

[Justine]

Well, I haven't personally done anything differently with the plant, but we have had a heat wave here over the past week. The plant is sitting in a window that is out of direct su light for the most part,but maybe it was still too hot?? Poor little guy. Thanks for responding!

[ryrycochinco]

How long ago was the heat wave?, and how long after was it when the spike started to turn brown?. Also how hot was the heat wave?, and how did it effect the temp in your home? Sorry I'm asking so many questions, I just need to know.

[Justine]

Haha that's ok! The heat wave was this past week and it was in the 90s and humid every day. We were actually on vacation while this was going on, so I don't know exactly when the stalk dried up, but I noticed it right away when we got home Friday.

[ryrycochinco]

Ha, thats exactly what happened to me. I don't think your spike is gonna make it, sorry. But at least your plant survived. After mine lost it's spike I read somewhere that if the orchid has enough energy it can send up a new spike. this didn't happen in my case, but hopefully you'll have better luck.