It's putting out a new leaf before the flowers die? - Orchid Board

Gwenchanter · #1 03-01-2008, 12:22 AM

Hi, I've been growing phals for 4 years and I have never seen a phal put out a new leaf before the flowers fall off. It scares me a bit because I dont want the plant to be over worked trying to maintain flowers and grow a new leaf at the same time! The inflorescence is really perfect with 5 flowers on each side for a really nice 10-flower spray. The last three flowers just opened up two weeks ago but I purchased the orchid at the WOC last month so it already had the first 7 flowers when I got it. Please tell me I don't have to remove the spike?

Thanks =)

khill · #2 03-01-2008, 06:58 AM

I have one doing that right now. I don't think it's anything to worry about. Probably just a happy plant.

InspirChid1712 · #3 03-01-2008, 08:50 AM

My phals do that all the time... I'm sure it is fine. I wouldn't cut back the spike to force a second bloom, however. I don't ever do this with my plants, and they seem better off because of it. Better to enjoy the blooms while they last and put the energy into next year's flowering! Oh... post a picture of your plant! It sounds delightful!

camille1585 · #4 03-01-2008, 04:24 PM

I think you have a happy plant, with lots of energy to put into a spike and a leaf!

Some phals seems to be really good at multitasking.
For example, I have a phal which is growing a leaf and two roots, then on one spike there is a big healthy keiki , and on the other spike it respiked and is now blooming.No intervention on my part, it does what it wants to do!

jrhennek · #5 03-01-2008, 04:56 PM

Gwen
You have nothing to weary about. I have had Phals in bloom for 18 months straight and in that time they grew new leaves, roots, and a second and third spike. The plant happened to be in the perfect environment for this to happen. In other words a HAPPY plant.
Leave the flowering spike on until it has lost the last flower, then I would cut the spike back to just above the 3rd node on the stem (node is the small bump on the stem about 2 to 4 inches apart). If the stem is turning brown and dieing then cut it all the way back to the base of the plant.

Jayme