Cutting the Spike.

[RandomGemini]

Before I grab scissors… I just want to be clear that I am supposed to do this.

One of my larger phals has dropped all of the blooms on one of its two spikes. Both spikes are brown, but not dehydrated or dried out. I read that I should cut the spike back to the node in the hopes that it will bloom again, but only if the spike is not already brown in color.

Brown means the blooming is done, right?

So… when I go to cut the spike, I should cut it back to the base of the plant?

Should I put anything on the wound after I make the cut? Would this be a good time to break out the cinnamon?

[Joyorchid]

You may cut the spike above one of the nodes with hopes of more blooms, but it may tax the plant further.

It would probably be better to cut it about an inch above where the spike emerges from the plant, then put a little cinnamon on the cut portion, taking care not to get any on roots.

[jeremyinsf]

"If it's brown - cut it down. If it's green, don't be mean."

[RandomGemini]

Thanks much! Making preparations for surgery now! Wish me luck! Hope I don't mess it up! I really like this orchid… it's my first one and we've been through a lot together in these two short months.

[Island Girl]

It will be fine! I would also have suggested cutting it down all the way (w/in an inch from the base of the spike). No worries about your surgery ...I think this would be considered "out-patient surgery"

[RandomGemini]

Well, I did the trim. It didn't scream, fall over and die so I think I did all right. LOL!

I'm sad to see the blooms fading on this one as it is probably my fave of my crop of noid phals. I'm going to take a bunch of pictures of it before it drops all the blooms off of the other spike.