Phal buds?

[Jadeco]

The phalaenopsis I just bought has two spikes, one with three branches. There are a lot of mittens, so how do I make sure they all bloom? The smaller spike has two buds that should bloom pretty soon. I've been thinking about cutting off a branch from the larger spike or using a Bloom fertilizer, but I wanted to check before I did anything.

[mayres]

Hi! I live right below you near Salem!
This is the time of year for us that the majority of our phals are typically nearing the end of their bloom cycle. It looks like this one likewise is pretty much bloomed out and done - you are left with "left over" spikes - with a few newly forming buds. Personally if it were mine I would cut the spikes all off and let the plant regenerate and build up its strength for a new set of spikes (hopefully) this late fall to early winter - typical time for this occurance if grown in the home. Some people leave the spikes and some people cut them part way down to just above a node - of course this is all optional - many of us just prefer the larger size and more aesthetic original spikes - which also usually have more and slightly larger flowers. Good luck!

[Ben Belton]

Your plant looks good and healthy. Consider cutting it off above a node. It might put out a new spike from that node and be blooming again in a few months.

[quiltergal]

I'm with Mayers (also in Oregon), the show is never as good the second time around, so I always cut the spikes on my plants all the way back. It's not worth it to me for the plant to expend so much energy on a wimpy second bloom. Better to use that energy to grow new roots and leaves.