Removing Phal's flower spike

[Tulip Poplar]

One of my phals dropped its last flower several weeks ago. I'm thinking about cutting the spike above the third node from the bottom to see if it will re-flower. Only thing is that it has already turned yellow there. Is it too late? Also, the plant is young-ish and has 4 healthy leaves. Any suggestions with where/when to cut? Thank you!

[cupcake]

I would be inclined to cut the spike right back and let it build up the strength to flower again, you'll get bigger blooms.

[sapphireeyes27]

Is it pretty much always better to just cut off the spike completely? When my flowers died, I read up on what to do and most of the books recommended doing just what Tulip Poplar said. However, when I asked in here, most said that it is best for the plant to just cut the entire spike off.

Putting pretty flowers aside, should you really just cut the spike completely off after the plant finishes blooming??

Rachel

[quiltergal]

I have cut all my Phal spikes off for the first time this year to see if I get a bigger better spike with nicer flowers. I used to let the spike rebloom, but as Cupcake pointed out the flowers weren't as large, and the colors not as intense as the first bloom. I'll let you know how it turns out in about December or so.

[Candice]

When the spike turns completely yellow, it has already died already and you should cut it as far back as possible, so the plant can regain strength and grow larger. It is said it will reward you by doing so. I have all my spikes cut, except the ones that have keikies on them. It really is up to the grower though, due to the conflicting theories

[quiltergal]

I think it's more a matter of personal preference. One super duper bloom season, or a few mediocre blooms year round. I've decided I don't care if I have something in bloom year round. I'd rather have better blooms once.

[Tulip Poplar]

Thank you all for your input. Feel free to keep posting here about this topic that doesn't seem to have one clear answer. In my case, it sounds like I should cut it all the way back.

[PCgeekchick]

here's a question... what type of Phals? Are they Home Depot, Lowe's purchases? Where the spikes a single branching spike or multi-branched?

I'm asking since if your spike branched, it might be a Dtps.
Either way, I usually cut back to the green/brown line of the spike. If the spike continues to brown, I chop it all the way down. I guess I rely on what my plant is telling me it wants to do. I haven't seen any difference in bloom size or amount if I cut back totally or if I let them rebloom. <shrugs>

[Gin]

I have cut all of mine back to within and inch of where they connect to the plant .
Except for a Dtps that has just started to bloom on a new spike . and of course the species Phals . those are not cut off at all unless they die on thier own .
Hey PCgeek I am down the Hwy from you Gin

[PCgeekchick]

Gin, Yah! I sometimes feel like I'm the lone orchid lover in MO. Glad to know there's another one!

Anyhow... tell me about the Species Phal's spikes? I only have hybrids but have been thinking about getting a species since it's time to "step up". Although I'm also considering a flask of babies, or some seedlings, or maybe all of the above? lol