Phal. Bloom spike staying green and alive-looking

[annie1931]

I have three orchids, two of which are ordinary and always the bloom stem withers immediately after the last bloom falls off. My big one (that had 42 blooms up to a month or so ago) also usually withers its spike to a hollow stem. BUT this time it grew enormously, sent five or six spikes off the main stem, and now sits there looking green and lovely though bloomless...has been for about 4 weeks. My granddaughter's did the same, she got sick of looking at it and snipped it off - it sealed almost immediately and is now just an ordinary dead stem. I am planning to cut mine down,(when I can find a sharp enough strong blade) but would like to hear if others have had such an occurrence, and what they did.

[Zoi2]

That's pretty normal behavior for a phal. Sometimes they will rebloom on the spike by themselves, sometimes they'll rebloom on the spike if you cut the spike just below the last flower node. Sometimes the spike dies right after the last flower falls. I usually just cut the flower spike to within an inch of the base of the plant when it's finished blooming.
Joann

[annie1931]

Thanks - I plan to cut it down, too - I can't imagine leaving this 'tree' poking out into the room - I've been ducking the pointy ends for a month now!

[camille1585]

I usually leave the spikes on unless they're dead. Usually the spikes will sit there doing nothing for over a month, then all of a sudden the tip of the spike starts growing again and I have a few more blooms! Cutting green spikes is a matter of personal preference, since either way it won't harm the plant.

[wind08]

Originally Posted by annie1931

I have three orchids, two of which are ordinary and always the bloom stem withers immediately after the last bloom falls off. My big one (that had 42 blooms up to a month or so ago) also usually withers its spike to a hollow stem. BUT this time it grew enormously, sent five or six spikes off the main stem, and now sits there looking green and lovely though bloomless...has been for about 4 weeks. My granddaughter's did the same, she got sick of looking at it and snipped it off - it sealed almost immediately and is now just an ordinary dead stem. I am planning to cut mine down,(when I can find a sharp enough strong blade) but would like to hear if others have had such an occurrence, and what they did.

please do not snip it off as they are just dormant. They will continue to flower from there when the climate becomes desirable again

[trdyl]

I am one of those that tend to leave green spikes alone and let them do there thing. Should you decide to cut it back you will want to use pruning shears. Their spikes are quite tough.

[annie1931]

Note to all - thanks for your comments, but the deed has been done. No way in this tiny apartment can I leave a non-blooming spike sticking out well past the edge of its table! Someday a new spike will arise and bloom. I have one that is bringing out one bloom every few weeks, growing a bud, and a nub of another - so it's got a spike I leave and let bloom but is well out of the way against a window behind a sofa! Thanks again.