The Phal abuse ends here.

[silken]

I thought I remembered reading that you had good roots that fit the pot but couldn't find that comment. Sounds good then and go ahead and cut the spike down. Placing a kebab skewer in the pot works well to test how wet the potting is near the bottom. Just pull it out and if it's still wet, don't water yet. Put it back in the same place so you don't stab different roots every time.