Reblooming on the same spike?

[solo1979]

What's the trick? I've read how to do it, cutting the spike back about halfway once it has stopped blooming, but everytime I do that, the whole thing just continues to dry up. On my visit to Oak Hill Gardens today, I saw a bunch of them that they had done this too and got a new spike to sorta branch off the side and bud. So, what am I doing wrong? I don't find this look very visually stimulating, nor would I ever purchase a plant reblooming like this, but I'd at least like to try it.

Solana

[quiltergal]

I cut mine just above the last node on the end of the spike. In order for it to work though you have to have a viable node. If it's dried up it won't work. If it's still green it's possible.

[puddin]

There is also a chance that it will produce a keiki.

[mayres]

At least two factors will affect whether or not your phal will send out a secondary spike. Both cultural factors (is it "happy" with your watering, lighting, temps, etc.) and genetics. Depending upon the particular cross some don't seem to want to subspike no matter what you try and others seem to want to subspike in the blink of an eye almost before the original spike is even done. Like you, I don't particularly find them aesthetic to start with - and they typically produce less and slightly smaller flowers than the original spike. I would rather remove the spike and let the plant rejuvinate and grow - preparing for a bigger and better complete spike next flowering season. Enjoy! mike

[Ray]

"Forcing" blooming can really weaken a plant - especially if it isn't "happy" as Mike stated - and can lead to it skipping a season or two altogether, or even death (if it's really unhappy to start with).

My preference is to do nothing. If the plant is strong enough and the genetics favor branching and reblooming, it will. If not, it won't. If the inflorescence starts to yellow at all, remove it.

[gmdiaz]

Hiya, Solana,

I don't cut off the spike until it is clearly drying up and reabsorbing energy. I don't try to force more blooms.

I am just learning, so I am observing the plant's natural processes trying to identify the different stages of growth & rest. . .watching to get a feel for what the plant wants to do next.

I have a phal that has three branches on the spike but it did it on its own. I am seeing smaller, almost half-sized flowers!

I am afraid it's gonna want to bloom itself too tired. . .I may have to intervene to be sure it gets enough rest. lol

[Ross]

I was successful reblooming a certain NOID Phal for over two years! It never quit blooming and never grew another leaf, but didn't die. After the hail storm that wiped out my Phals, this little guy sprung out a keiki from the base and I now have it maturing. I had to cut off three successive spikes before it quit spiking and started growing and maturing leaves. I am sure genetics plays a role hear.

[solo1979]

Wow quite a mix of experiences here. I actually just cut off the spike today from the 'Blue Martini' I got from Norman's the other day. I was disgusted to look at it, as some idiot cut the top of the spike and the flowers weren't in great condition anyway. I figured I'll let the plant focus on growing now and wait for the next spike.

Solana