Phal finished blooming-how do I prune - Orchid Board

smokey · #1 11-08-2007, 04:10 PM

I just inherited a supermarket phal that someone was about to throw out. How exactly do you prune -it's done flowering?

Ross · #2 11-08-2007, 04:14 PM

Some cut off the bloom spike, some don't. I choose to cut off the spike. Just cut near the bottom carefully so as to not injure the leaves around it.

smokey · #3 11-08-2007, 04:17 PM

ok, i'lll try that now

camille1585 · #4 11-08-2007, 05:22 PM

Welcome to OB!
I left the spikes on some of my phals. One of them finished blooming in september and is now respiking/making keikis off the old ones. I let it do this since the plant is in terrific shape and put out tons of new roots during blooming. My other phals are smaller and weaker, so I cut the spikes to let the plants conserve their energy for growing leaves and roots, to make better flowers next year!

I guess it's a matter of personal preference!

smokey · #5 11-08-2007, 05:44 PM

so now I don't know what to do

Ross · #6 11-08-2007, 05:47 PM

Either way, you're fine.

cb977 · #7 11-08-2007, 05:50 PM

Hi Smokey...welcome to Orchidboard

There are two different thoughts on the subject, it's up to you in the end.

Some folks leave the spike, hoping for another bloom or two. It is certainly possible for this to happen. If you see the spike turning brown, you can assume that's not going to happen and cut it down. If additional blooms do pop up, they are usually not the same quality as the first were.

Other folks (like me) prefer to cut the spikes, allowing the plant to put it's energy into becoming a stronger plant so that the next round of blooms will be just as fabulous (or more) as the last ones.

Decisions, decisions...

Do you have any other 'chids?