Phalenopsis Rebloom off old Spike

[UnstuckinTime]

Hey Orchid Board,

So here is an phalaenopsis that is blooming in my office. My office mates kept on the original spikes that were blooming last year when they purchased the plant. At the tip of each of last year's spikes, there is what appears to be a still alive growing tip. Looking closely, they're clearly alive, but growth has arrested.

I'm wondering now, is there any way to unpause them? Do you know of any natural tricks, or hormone treatments, that could unlock them and get more blossoms out of it?


Looking forward to your responses,
CJ

[LovePhals]

Wow! You have great blooms already! What a beauty!
Those spikes that are still green will eventually bloom again, just give it time. I don't know any way to force them to bloom, but the spikes on my phals that stay green do rebloom, you will notice the tip start to form buds and enlarge.

[RosieC]

I don't know a way to unpause them either. I usually cut the old spikes right off, but I have one that was growing a side spike when I came to cut it off, so I left it. Then the side spike stalled, it still is obviously alive but it's been 18months now and still nothing.

[james mickelso]

Your set up looks nice. Good light. I usually cut off old spikes and allow the plant to regain some energy before pushing new spikes. But if you want it to re-bloom drop the temps by at least 20*f for a couple days. Also limiting the light will help induce further bloom. But there is a toll to the plant. Your choice but I prefer to cut the spikes off and let it re-coupe.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you're referring to the terminal end of the flower spike, then, no, there is no artificial means to induce the plant to continue elongating the spike to possibly produce more flowers, (not in the manner I believe you're possibly describing, at least).

If you want a keiki from each spike's terminal end, then there's a slight possibility keiki paste might work. It might contain some living meristematic tissue for it to happen. You also have to consider that there's also a greater chance it may not.

Imo, you may remove the spikes with no flowers, it does help the plant conserve energy. However, if you want to take a whirl at it and see what comes out of those old spikes, then by all means keep the spike on. You might get lucky and end up with a keiki or some flowers, (it's likely that the flowers will end up being slightly smaller than the ones you saw when you purchased the Phal), just don't expect that the plant would reliably do such things.