Phal question

[Helen]

Do the phal leaves continue to grow during the spike formation and flowering times? Or, do they stop just prior to the spike forming and resume post bloom?
I guess I really need a primer on the growing process.

I guess this question would apply to all orchids ??
Thanks again...

[Rick Barry]

Helen,
My experience has been that Phals focus their energies on blooming temporarily and then resume new growth later.

Regards,
Rick

[Lagoon]

I've had orchids that do continue to grow, But slowly. I've also have orchids that stall in growth of leaves - Before spiking and during the blooming period. With some of my orchids, I can tell when their about to bloom, since some stall out and sometimes my phals leaves on the bottom will droop.

So it will vary from orchid to orchid, they all have their own habits

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I've had orchids that do continue to grow, But slowly. I've also have orchids that stall in growth of leaves - Before spiking and during the blooming period. With some of my orchids, I can tell when their about to bloom, since some stall out and sometimes my phals leaves on the bottom will droop.

So it will vary from orchid to orchid, they all have their own habits

This has been pretty-much my experience as well. I rarely have had one that grows new leaves while in bloom, but some have continued elongating the ones they already had. More often than not, the plant stalls, sets spike, then usually continues growth after spike is gone. For those I remove the spike after the blossoms fall rather than let it rebloom on old spike.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I've had orchids that do continue to grow, But slowly. I've also have orchids that stall in growth of leaves - Before spiking and during the blooming period. With some of my orchids, I can tell when their about to bloom, since some stall out and sometimes my phals leaves on the bottom will droop.

So it will vary from orchid to orchid, they all have their own habits

You can tell that way? Thats soo cool.

[justatypn]

Lagoon says it in a nut shell. They are all creatures of habit. With my phals, the phals that have multiple spikes usually do not show growth at the apex but signs of energy loss (slightly limp leaves) with so many spikes. Other phals with approx 12 or less blooms and 1 spike there had/has shown signs of plant/leaf growth. As Lagoon says they all have their own habits.

[Helen]

Wow, great info from everyone...I'm glad I asked.
I noticed there was no leaf activity since I purchased my new NOID phals, and the buds on each one have opened up now....that's right! I didn't kill them yet... (but there's still time for that). Now I have to wait until next year to see if I can make them rebloom...
Thanks everyone!

[Lagoon]

Helen,

Phals can bloom twice a year. This is how I do it -- Once the flowers come out, I enjoy them for about 2 months or less depending on the size / age of the plant(s). After 2 months I cut off the spikes, and do not allow for the second flush that many phals will give you. This (IMO) Saves alot of energy for the second blooming period. They are just like the first blooming time - strong spikes with lots of flowers.

Happy Growing

[Helen]

Just to be sure to know when to cut the spike....do I let it dry up on it's own somewhat before cutting it right off? Or just until the flowers start to fade to ensure no other spikes start up?

[Ross]

I'd cut the spike just after the last blossom fades away. If you keep the spike, it probably won't shrivel, a new spikelet will form. I think you wanted the leaves to grow, in that case cut off the spike.