When old spikes are left on...

[greenpassion]

What a suprise- more questions! Okay. I have several phalaenopsis that I left the spikes on after flowering, as they did not turn brown. I can see there's new growth on several, but my question is this. Will I get new spikes this winter when they generally start to spike. Or will I not get new spikes because I did not cut off the older ones? I have a gorgeous phalaenopsis that has a basal keiki, and it sent me up one Spike last year.On this one I had cut off the Spike as it was dying, and today I just noticed that it has two new spikes starting.. so this made me think, will I not get new spikes on the ones that have spikes left on them?

[Ray]

Whether you get new spikes in addition to regrowth on old ones depends upon the genetic background of the plant, how healthy it is, and how good the growing conditions are.

[greenpassion]

Good to know Ray! Thank you.! The kelp Max I ordered just came today, so the growing conditions will be even better😄

[bwehr28]

I have a phal that I bought about a month ago from a green house on clearance. The 2 old spikes had been left and were still green. I have not left spikes on before, but I decided to give it a shot. The orchid has not only grown a 3rd spike, but the orginal 2 spikes look like they are going to reflower. Any special care for a spike on a spike?

[greenpassion]

I'd say just count your blessings, as you seem to have a happy Phal there☺

[jkofferdahl]

In my experience, yes. If a Phal is healthy and growing in good conditions it's going to use any method it can to grow more flowers.

As Ray said, a good part of it is genetic, but the growing conditions are also very important.

[Bill U.]

As Ray mentioned, there can be genetic factors at work with multiple blooming or just good general culture. I usually leave spikes that are still green on the plant- sometimes I have gotten "extra buds" from branching of old spikes in addition to any new ones that come up. The caveat of course is that if the plant is smaller or could use some R&R, it can be a good idea to take off any extra spikes. One member posted a long time ago - "If it's green, don't be mean unless you have to". Hasn't failed me so far.

[greenpassion]

Today I found that one of my phals, the one that has previously given me double branching spikes has thus far one spike just appearing. I'm hoping that I'll get at least 2 spikes this year. If not, then I can't help but think something in it's culture has changed, not for the better. Unless I'm jumping the gun and the second spike will come along shortly, but if I recall, they usually come at the exact same time...