stem issue - not even sure what

[Cranly]

This morning I checked on the orchids and saw this on one of the new spikes on one of my Phals.

I...I don't even know what happened.
My first thought was that one of the cats got hold of it.. but they've never messed with the orchids before. Did it just somehow get damaged? or is it some sort of other issue?

Is there anything that can be done to help the spike now, or does it just need to be cut off?

Thanks for any insight. I was surprised and dismayed.

[katrina]

I looked at the pic before reading and first thought...cat damage.

They may not normally mess w/them but it sure looks like one of the fur balls opted to do a little munch. I know this look all. too. well. Well, not so much these days because the plant eater passed a few years back but that (and leaf nibbles) were a very common site in my space.

I don't think you can bring that one back but you might try cutting just above a node and maybe it'll branch for you. It's worth a try anyway.

[DeaC]

Hmmm. Katrina has experience but maybe try wrapping some s/m around the denuded area and stake it up for support. Cuts above nodes have worked for me and the plant tho. I've 2 cats and other than sitting under large leafed ones placed on the floor,I've never had a problem with flora and fauna coexisting!

[estación seca]

Cats are notorious house plant destroyers. If it's not biting them, it's eating them, or it's making a bed out of them.

[Helene]

No idea what caused the damage, but your plants looks a bit underwatered?
Or something else they are not very happy about, but I dont think that has anything to do with the damage on the spike.

Hope you get another spike on that one

[Becky15349]

Definitely cat damage. I would cut the spike back to
1" from the base of the plant - its early in the season, it might respike! I broke a spike earlier this month and the plant is respiking - I hope yours does the same