Let it keep going or...?

[the_noob]

Hello from Boston!

I've always loved to be an orchid non-killer. Many many years ago I got my first phal and I think it suffered crown rot... don't quite remember what happened to her. The second one was gifted by my ex. When we broke up, I threw it away... people do irrational things.

I picked up my third phal from Wholefoods around 1.5 months ago. I guess the car ride from the supermarket to home was too much for her and the poor thing suffered bud blast. I literally watched them all shriveled up on the way home...

It is what it is...

About 3 weeks ago I noticed that a node started swelling! That was exciting. Then I had to go on a trip the following week. When I came back I couldn't believe what I saw - the node turned into a spike, and the tips of the old spikes have become longer with more smaller buds and swollen!

What should I do now?

The first photo is when I first saw the extending node. The rest show her current state.

[Roberta]

Keep on doing what you are doing... The plant seems to have settled in to a spot that it likes. Don't rush to change anything, just water when it's nearly (but not quite) dry and enjoy it!

[the_noob]

Thanks!

What are the chances of those buds at the tips grow into a flower? Or should I just cut the spikes instead so it doesn't waste energy since it looks like I have another fresh spike on the way anyway?

[Roberta]

They very well could become flowers. I would not cut anything that is green... let the the plant decide what it wants to do. Don't worry about its wasting energy... it looks to me like it has plenty, and more flowers is better than fewer flowers, I think.

[jkofferdahl]

Please don't cut anything! Your Phal is doing a happy dance, giving you more flowers as thanks for your good care.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Phal flower spikes often branch and produce more flowers. Many people leave the spike attached as long as it is still green.

[the_noob]

Thanks for all the reassurance! I thought since she suffered from bud blast, she's kinda fragile right now. I now know I'm not stretching her by any means... She's actually happy with me.

[Salixx]

Bud blast doesn't necessarily mean anything other than the plant knows its conditions have changed.

For new plants that I receive or bring home, I just assume they will lose all their buds (it saves the heartache a bit when and if it does happen). I think they do it more as a response to change and less because they are in trouble. It's more like they are preparing for worst case scenario and saving energy in case that change is a change for the worse.

I wish you many more branches on those beautiful spikes!

[DeaC]

Same as above but remember to place plant correctly orientated to its light source say after watering. Buds will twist and become disfigured looking for light so try to keep its position constant. GL!

[rbarata]

Welcome, the_noob (just like me)

Phal flower spikes often branch and produce more flowers. Many people leave the spike attached as long as it is still green.

I have a phal the is now blooming on spikes as old as 3 years (and some 2 years) together with a new one.
Don't cut it, one never know.