Broken tip on phalaenopsis samera spike

[TJ]

I accidentally broke the tip off of my Phalaenopsis samera spike while watering. Does this mean it won't flower? I'm so bummed.

[bil]

Depends. Did you break off all the flower bearing bits?

Even if you have, it's possible that it might throw another spike.

Take consolation in the fact that we've all snapped a spike of something.

[Paphluvr]

Most Phals will throw a lateral spike from the nodes below the blooming portion of the main spike, esp. if the main spike is damaged. Don't cut the spike unless it starts to dry up and turn brown. You'll probably be rewarded but it may take a while. Happens to us all and I don't know of anyone who is ever happy about it.

[sruther4d]

Two other times I have done this and I applied Keiki paste to the open wound. On both occasions the plant has put out more buds.

Last week I snapped in half a NOID Phal spike I was trying to stake. This is the most serious damage I have done to an orchid (besides killing them off via crown rot). I applied the paste and am keeping my fingers crossed.

[TJ]

Thanks to all who replied. I'll keep my fingers crossed and have to wait and see what happens. Good to know I'm not the only one who has broken a spike.😊

[dangerouseddy]

I'm sure that if it wants to flower , it'll find a way but you'll have to wait a bit longer

always upsetting when you've been watching the spike grow for months though.

[No-Pro-mwa]

A reason to go and get a new one in bloom???? But really I'm sorry about the spike. I too have done this and it does make me mad at myself.

[cjm3fl]

I've had a few damaged spikes, for various reasons.
Almost every single time my 'damaged' Phal sent off at least one new side spike.

I leave the spikes on my Phal until they dry up.
I always get 2nd bloomings on my one year old (post-bloom) spikes.
Seems to be in the Phal's nature to want to find, and continue, to bloom when it wants to.