To Cut or not to Cut!

[lornaheath]

I read different opinions on where and when to cut the spike down to after flowering.

Some say chop it off above the 3 rd nobbly bit.

Some say cut it down when there are the last remaining two flowers on it as the sap is still rising then.

What happens if you don't chop it at all? Will it harm the plant?

I have cut half way and then the rest just withered and died anyway, so should I have cut it off at the bottom to start with?

Still confused in England.

Lorna
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[james mickelso]

Everyone has a nose and that is just like an opinion. I say....( smugly of course) ...cut it all the way to the base and dab a little cinnamon on the cut to ward off any uglies. The reason there are so many noses...er...opinions on the subject is that phal spikes can and often do throw out another side spike off the old one at about the second or third node. That is all fine and dandy until you understand what is happening. Flowering uses a lot of energy. Allowing a second flowering stresses the plant and if it is not in top condition it can lead to a prolonged rest while the plant recouperates. There are some phals which are so genetically vigorous that they put on a show for a prolonged period of time. But for most phals allowing it to flower from the old spike will be stressful. And the second flowering is usually not as good and the flowers are smaller with fewer of them. So my nose...er...opinion is to cut it off and give it some rest with good food, a glass of wine for desert, and let it build up it's strength. Then when it flowers again enjoy your fruits.

[lornaheath]

I liked that answer Uncle James. Made complete sense to me and in my limited time playing with Orchids I know you are right.

My only question for you now is; how do I cut it off?

Would you recommend a blade, scissors or a box knife type of cutting thing? I have aways used scissors but some of those spikes are pretty thick and tuff.

Thanks Uncle James.

Lorna
x x x

[james mickelso]

A chainsaw works. Or explosives for those really thick stems. Or just scissors. I use a pair of wire cutters for really thick spikes. I don't like blades or box cutters as these are unwieldy and can bite back if not carefully wielded. Anywhere below the first node is sufficient. I use a fingertip full of cinnamon to dab the booboo afterward. (-;

[lornaheath]

Now there's a couple of novel ideas. Thanks for those Matey. Imagination is runnin wild now. Even got images of the Giants Beanstalk in me likkle head now. Wonder if there's a Form for Beanstalks?

Thanks for the great help Mister James Sir.

Lorna
x x x

[james mickelso]

It's a pleasure to be of service Little Nell.

[RosieC]

I tend to like Ray's advice on this here.
Spike Cutting

However while he concludes to 'wait and see' I will cut them down if the plant is going to be difficult to handle if they are left on. So quite often the ones living in my living room get cut down, while others 'wait and see'.

[lornaheath]

Yeah. I like that too. Thanks RosieC.

Great advice.

Lorna
x x x

[NYCorchidman]

I never cut any spikes unless they are so long and get in the way and poke me in the eye. really!

I grow lots of phals. I don't find that leaving old spikes on harm plants at all.
Some abort spikes as soon as flowers are all dropped, while some plants keep their old spikes green.

Those old spikes that stay green long after all the flowers drop may or may not rebloom.
I let my plants do their thing. Rebloom do not necessarily mean inferior flowering and I have had even better blooming on the side spikes off old spikes.

I admit that leaving the old spikes on make the plants look rather ugly though.

[lornaheath]

My sister who is not only a non Orchid lover, but is a completely non-plant lover just calls them sticks!!

Her most used phrase is usually along the lines of "Can't you sell them?"

Thanks Lesley. He heeee Some people have no soul do they?

Lorna
x x x