Your opinion on cutting Phal spikes

[Helen]

I was wondering where to cut off the phal spike once it has completed blooming and exactly when to cut it off.

I have been told/and read articles saying to cut it off under the 3rd node, another UNDER the 1st node, another ABOVE the 1st node,
another AT the stem. I'm totally in the dark, yes, again!

I'd really like to hear from all of you who I deem to be successful phal growers! Then I can make the decision as to WHERE to cut and WHEN!
Many thanks.

[dennis]

are you trying to make it rebloom, if so then it is usally above the last node below the first flower that bloomed. if not trying to rebloom then around a 1/2 inch or so from the plant. i cut mine off at the plant as not to put anymore stress on the plant and so it will bloom better next year. if you want it to rebloom the flowers will usally be smaller and less in quantity than what just finished. if your plant is not in really good health then you could do more harm in trying to make it rebloom

[Helen]

I would like more info on BOTH ways, to rebloom and not to rebloom. I just purchased two, on sale, with 2 buds each. Because I don't know the hx of the plant, I will not force them to rebloom at this time. Is it true they might send out a new spike once the spike is cut off? Or, only one per year?
Thanks Dennis

[Helen]

above the last Node below the first flower that bloomed.

Dennis, could you please clarify your statement? Is there a difference between a node and where a flower was? I'm a newbie, pls forgive this silly question. I guess I should have a closer look at the spike....

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Helen

Dennis, could you please clarify your statement? Is there a difference between a node and where a flower was? I'm a newbie, pls forgive this silly question. I guess I should have a closer look at the spike....

Okay, I just looked up node in the glossary...and had a much closer look at the spikes. So you can ignore my last reply. Each plant's spike has 5 nodes before the spot where the 1st flower bloomed. So, if I wanted to rebloom I would cut this high up?

Also, one has it's first node approx. 1/4 inch from btm of stem, and the other about 1/2 inch. To remove the spikes does it matter if I cut above or below this first node?
Thanks!

[Djarum Black]

Heres another possibility for you to consider trying...
I never cut anything till the stem starts to go yellow or brown. I let the plant tell me when it's done. I've found that some phals like to keiki after blooming, and will do it from the old stem. So I never cut mine till I'm really sure it's done.

[Helen]

Great! Thanks for the tip. When it's ready to be cut after total browning out, do you still cut it off at the stem and if so, where exactly?
Also, where do the keiki grow? at bottom? or higher up?
Thanks

[Ironwood]

Only cut what is brown.

[smartie2000]

I agree! I only cut when it starts yellowing otherwise I leave it alone

[Oscarman]

Originally Posted by Helen

Okay, I just looked up node in the glossary...and had a much closer look at the spikes. So you can ignore my last reply. Each plant's spike has 5 nodes before the spot where the 1st flower bloomed. So, if I wanted to rebloom I would cut this high up?

Yes, cut 1/4" above the highest node on the stem.

Originally Posted by Helen

Also, one has it's first node approx. 1/4 inch from btm of stem, and the other about 1/2 inch. To remove the spikes does it matter if I cut above or below this first node?
Thanks!

Cut below the lowest node, between the plant and the node.

Be sure to always cut with a sterilized (I heat mine in a flame till glowing, then cool, then cut).

I too follow the practice of allowing the plant to tell me what it wants to do and I leave all flower stems on until they start to die naturally or re-bloom. The only exception is if the plant appears stessed or I am repotting.