should i cut flower spikes before they wither?
 

Hello,

I've been wondering if it's beneficial for the plant if I removed the flower spike nearing its life - before it shrivels up. This is for the spikes that do not rebloom, like oncidiums and dendrobiums.

I guess it won't be making any seed or fruit, so I assume that it wouldn't make much of a difference removing it early... or would it help redirect nutrients to other parts of the plant?

thanks

I leave them on until they shrivel and dry up. They are still photosynthetically active.

ok, I'll just leave it be for now - thanks to both.

@jkofferdahl - I just noticed you're from Smyrna. I'm from around Vinings. Howdy neighbor!

Usually, I cut the spike unless it looks like it will grow more flowers.

I never cut them because in nature nobody cuts them.
I only do it after long time and if they interfere with my waterings.

I know this reply is late but I feel I should answer
 

Jeff,

I am always concerned about orchid viruses and therefore do all my cutting with single edge razor blades which I then discard. To save on the cost, although minimal, I let the spike brown out completely and wait even longer till it is so brittle that it can be snapped off. This doesn't always work.

Also, thank you for liking my most recent post in the Neofinetia section.