Phal hybrid spike - stuck and circling.

[Skippersmom]

Good evening,
I live in Nebraska. Plants go outdoors late May though the end of October as long as weather permits. This phal is one that has been thriving both indoors and outdoors.

I discovered this spike starting about 3 weeks ago. I had not been watching it that carefully but about 5 days ago went looking to see how the spike was doing and discovered it had grown over on itself and then turned again and looks like it might start pushing down against or through the leaf below.

--Wondering if carefully removing the leaf below this spike (emphasis on carefully), if that will assit this spike in finding it's way out and up. Have never had a phal do this.

--If this spike is doomed to choke itself off, the perhaps best to remove it and maybe a new spike would start a level up?

--Let nature just take it's course?
Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Sue

[Roberta]

Sometimes a spike gets stuck. I can't see exactly what's going on, but in general, I'd try to cut the leaf to free up the spike - often it just takes a small slit with a razor blade. Once the pressure is off, it will very likely start to grow properly. It may not be perfect, but likely will at least get free enough to extend and flower.

[estación seca]

I'd like to congratulate you on such a healthy plant with so many leaves. Phals grown in high temperatures and high humidity, like your summers, carry very many more leaves than most Phals that spend their lives inside a home.

[Skippersmom]

Thank you both for your input here. I will give it a try to free up the spike a litte. In a few weeks will send pics w/ how things progress.