Spike Question

[Bribri]

So, my first phal has finally dropped it's blooms. When do I cut off the spike? And should I cut it off down to the base or midway? If I don't cut it, will my blooms not get as large? and one final question, if I cut off the spike and place it in water, could it grow a keiki?

Thanks!!





New leaf and root!! Didn't think I could accomplish that after killing a bromeliad and croton plant!

[rvalkenburg]

Let start with the keiki question, if you cut off the spike I have never seen a keiki grow off a spike in that manner. To try to get a keiki, I usually cut down the spkie to the 3rd node, peel back the sheathing and add keiki pro gel to produce a growth.

As for cutting the spike.... You should always cut it down just how far depends on what you are looking for. If you cut it down to the 3rd node and let it grow it may produce another flower spike from that point but the flowers will be smaller and not as many blooms. I typically will cut the spike all the way down to the crown, dab it with cinnamon and let the plant work on better roots and leaves. I always like growing a new spike because the flowers are larger and last longer. But at the end of the day, cutting the spike is very opinion driven...