WHEN TO CUT STALKS???

[elbie]

Since I last wrote, 2 of my rescued phals have put out stalks. I was told to wait, and sure enough, the stalks appeared! I was so excited.
I have another phal that is about 3 years old. It is almost continuously blossoming. It has two main stalks, one of which has divided into 2 and the other has become very long (about 10 inches). That stalk is not presently blooming, but it does have a live, green growing tip, as well as, green areas (don't know what these areas are called) at the last 5 nodes. Question - will that 10 inch stalk just keep getting longer and longer. It is rather unsightly, but I do not think I should cut it if it is growing.
Any advice? (I have attached a picture)
Thanks, Elbie

[RandomGemini]

Not stalks. Spikes.

You can cut the spikes whenever you like. If your plant is growing new roots and new leaves while the spike is in place, then I see no harm in leaving it. I have a phal that has a spike that is still throwing out flowers that has been on it since I bought the plant last year. I'll cut it when the spike dies back, or if the plant stops growing new roots and leaves. The new root and leaf growth is important to the longevity of your plant. So... if you're seeing new roots and leaves, you can leave it alone. If you just don't like how it looks anymore and want the plant to grow a new spike, you can also cut it then. It's up to you.

When you cut it though, make sure to use sterilized tools. Rinse them with alcohol or burnish the blade in a flame from a lighter. Clip the spike as close to the stem (the stem is the part of the plant where the leaves meet together to form a structure that looks kind of like a braid), without damaging the stem. I cut them back about a half inch, to an inch away from the stem.

[elbie]

I will remember to call it a stem and not a stalk. If I don't cut it back will it keep getting longer and longer or will it die by itself?
Elbie

[RandomGemini]

The stem is actually the part the leaves grow out of. The spike is where the flowers grow from.

Mine all stop growing at a certain length, but will put out a new branch rather than growing longer. Looks like you have a cascading type. These will add new buds to the end of a spike until they are done. Sometimes they die back on their own. Sometimes they do not. I have a Phal that had two spikes when I bought it. One died, the other did not. I guess the plant decided it only had enough energy to maintain one spike.

[elbie]

Spike not stem or stalk!!!! I really do get it -now.

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by elbie

Spike not stem or stalk!!!! I really do get it -now.

No worries! Take your time! We all have to start at the beginning. I had no idea what any of it was when my daughter set my first Phal down on my desk and shouted, "Happy Birthday!!"

[lotis146]

I second everything RandomGemini said.

I've got two keikis that grew two short spikes last summer/fall, each with only two or three flowers (and actually at different times). Now they're both actively growing new buds at the end of the spikes; I left them since they were still green.

Then I've got another Phal that grew a spike that was long and horizontal (the keiki spikes are horizontal but short so they aren't a problem). Now that its flowers are dead I plan to go ahead and cut the green spike because it's actually a hazard (I keep almost knocking it over) and I don't want more flowers like that. In yet another case, I have a NoID that I got with two spikes, one browned the other did not. The green one I left and it started a new branch this fall/winter, meanwhile it also grew a new spike, which is in fact still in bloom (only three flowers though). The older spike did grow buds sooner and faster thus it died sooner too.

Just some of my experiences with spikes. So I'd say if you're happy with the size and position of the spike and it's still green you mind as well keep it, the plant has already done have the work growing the spike out. Otherwise don't feel too bad cutting it.

Oh, sorry I'm long-winded but I have one more story for you. I have another Phal that I underwatered and distressed the plant A LOT, I'm still fighting to save it. But its spike was still green so I left it, well actually I didn't know exactly how much trouble it was in. In these cases you typically want to cut a spike to save the plant energy. BUT THEN a little nub started on the spike and it turned out to be a keiki (a baby/adventitious growth/clone growth). Now some might say that you should cut this still because the mother is stressed but I've left it. While the keiki hasn't grown any roots it is growing a spike, and the main spike of the plant has another little nubby branch growing out of it!!! Okay, I'll stop.

[elbie]

Thanks for all the info. One of the things that I am learning besides spikes not stalks, is that orchids all seem to do their own thing.
I have been so happy with one I rescued that is sitting on the windowsill with 14 flowers on it while my other two are busily growing new spikes.
I may cut back the long spiked one. I do keep hitting that long spike and getting it caught in things.
Will let you know how it all turns out.
Elbie