Can I cut this spike?

[sg1026]

Hi Everyone,

I recently acquired this phal. I do not even know what type it is. Can I cut this brown spike? I think this is a sequential bloomer?

Thanks All!!

[camille1585]

Anything that is dead and brown can be safely removed!

As to it being a sequential bloomer, hard to say with only one mostly wilted bloom left. Most hybrid Phals have one flush of blooms and then the spike dies back. Some others, depending on their species in their parentage, will have a first flush of blooms, lose them, and then the spike starts extending again and produces a few more blooms (usually 3-4 and never as much as the first blooming of the spike)

[sg1026]

Hi Camille!

Thanks for your expert advice! In one of my pics it does show two other spikes, that is why I thought it was a sequential. Appreciate your help!!!!!!

[camille1585]

What do you mean by sequential? I don't think we're using the word the same way.

Normally a Phal will induce spikes once a year, usually in fall/winter for the majority. It does happen that it produces 2 spikes at once- this depends on how optimal culture is as well as plant genetics. Often they are purchased with 2 spikes because commercial nurseries can tweak all growing conditions perfectly to get 2 spikes at once.

[sg1026]

Hi Camille,

I meant by sequential that even after a bloom dies, other buds still come off that same spike for sometimes years.

[camille1585]

So we're on the same page. Only way to find out if it's sequential is to leave those green spikes and wait to see what they will do!

[sg1026]

Ok, great! Thanks again!!