Unsure about what to do after flowers fall off...

[mtayl04]

Hi. I'm a relatively new phal grower, but I definetely love my plants! I have two who have now lost all their flowers for this blooming. The plants look different from each other, and I'm a little unsure about what to do for each:

My first flower is small but healthy. When I first got it, there was a main "stem" with 6 or so flowers. After they fell off, I was unsure what to do, so I cut the stem a few nodes below the lowest flower. A year later, 2 small "spikes" popped out slightly below where I had cut the stem. They remained small and thin, and only one produced a single flower. I am now unsure of what to do. The flowering spike has died and fallen off, but the unflowering remains. I feel like maybe now it's time to cut the stem completely off, but I'll admit, I'm kind of nervous about doing this!! The stem itself still seems healthy, so...?

My second plant is so huge!! I has about 3 layers of leaves and an amazing root system going on. I got it during bloom and have not cut anything on it. This flower had multiple large, healthy spikes coming off the main "stem", all of which produced 5 or so flowers. This plant seems very healthy, so again, I'm not too sure what to do. It seems a shame to cut such a healthy stem down to the base, but I have no idea where else to cut since there are multiple "spikes" that flowered. Nothing on the plant is drying up or turning brown.

I would appreciate any tips, pointers or opinions here. It's been about a month since the flowers on both plants have dropped. Thanks for your help!

[Ross]

I am of the group that clips the flower spikes off down near the leaves. Some try to leave the spikes on and get new flowers, but they always (to me) seem to weaken the plant and aren't as robust as the original blossoms. If you take my advise (with a grain of salt, please) then just clip the spike down near the leaves. Then keep your plant in bright light (just short of full sun) and water/fertilize regularly (when you determine the mix is starting to get dry*) When your plant has matured one or two new leaves, it will be ready to start a new spike or two.

* As above, I prefer clear pots - the clear ones the plants come in from the store. I can keep an eye on the moisture level and if the bark is getting mold or not.