Thoughts on removing small branch on Phal spike

[climbtheplanet]

I've had this Phal a year and it has produced 3 spikes. I acquired it during its second spike which was about 15-18 inches long and had nice big flowers. This current (3rd) spike has been growing for at least 3 months and started to branch a few weeks ago.

This is the first spike I have seen grow on this plant, but as its showing buds and is only 8 inches long it seems like it will stay much smaller than the last spike. The spike was growing nicely but seemed to slow down when it branched, and the current branch isn't super inspiring.

So, is this a situation where it would be best to cut the branch to allow the plant to continue putting its energy into the single spike? I've searched around but no where have I found anyone advocating for pruning branches.

I do use a weak water mixed orchid fertilizer as directed so I believe the plant has enough nutrients. I have an Oncidium I feed with the same mix and it is putting out double spikes that are growing like gangbusters.

[climbtheplanet]

Here is another photo for scale.

[Subrosa]

You're looking at it all wrong. That's another spike which will extend the bloom.

[Orchid Whisperer]

No, don't remove the small spike.

[climbtheplanet]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

That's another spike which will extend the bloom.

But in this case at what cost will that bloom extension come? Will allowing it to grow dwarf the main spike, and would pruning it lead to a bigger, "better" result with the main spike? Or would pruning it do no good at all?

I've been caring for my orchids for only a year and this is my first flowering cycle, so I do want guidance which such techniques/philosophies on producing the best plants/blooms. Otherwise, my knowledge is founded in being a fairly capable gardner, when with both flowers and veggies I've learned there are times pruning is warranted.

So far though, it seems that is not the case with orchids.

[estación seca]

When you see what it turns into, you'll look back and say, "D'OH!!!"

[rbarata]

Don't do it!
Take a look at this phal, a good example why you shoulnd't cut it...

Sorry for the crappy photos.
As you can see there are a lot of spikes...



These blooms are growing from last year's spike.



while the are growing on a two year old spike



and last but not least, this year's new spike



As you can see in the photo bellow there are potential blooms everywhere. Not all of the will bloom but if I cut the spike they won't bloom for sure.

[jkofferdahl]

I agree with all who say DON'T CUT IT! No, cutting it isn't going to strengthen the main spike. The plant is growing what it is ready to grow. Let it be.

[bil]

It's pretty unanimous. Don't ever cut blooms. If the plant can't take it it will abort them itself.

[estación seca]

Would you refuse to kiss somebody because you already kissed them?