Phal Flower Spike Question

[labyrinth1959]

I have a Phal that dropped it flowers after two months of blooming. It has been about two month since the last flower dropped off, but the spike has remained solid green and healthy. Now it appears that two new flower buds are starting from this spike. One bud at the very end and another further down the spike just below where the first flower stem was on the last bloom cycle. In addition, it looks like another spike might be developing just below the bottom leave of the parent (maybe it is just a new root). My question is what should I do if anything?

[Bud]

continue the care you are giving the plant....until the spike turns brown and then you can cut it....but if it is still giving you blooms...then just enjoy it

[magicatt]

Just wait and see what happens. If you get new blooms great, if its another spike, even better. If its a root, well, that's good too. Good roots make good blooms.

[Phalchid]

Root or spike, your orchid seems to be one happy plant

[RosieC]

I agree, just carry on the care you have been giving.

Some people cut off the spikes even when green, I often do. But others leave them because as you have seen they can produce new flowers. You often get less flowers on an existing spike than you do on a new one, but you might get them sooner on an existing spike.

If the spikes have dried up and died then always cut them off. If they stay green it's up to you if you leave them or cut them off. Sometimes I want to keep the plant looking neat... so I cut them off. Other times I'm happy to leave them. I have one on the mantelpiece now with flowers on an old spike.