continually blooming spike-to cut?

[BigRed]

I have a really cute little unknown phal. It was labeled sweetheart phal (yeah that helps) when I bought it. After researching on the internet I believe it may be
Doritis pulcherrima x Phalaenopis decumbens or related hybrid. It's leaves and spike are a vibrant lime green. When in bloom it had several branches with little flowers and the main bloom on top was like a flower cone. I don't have any pictures so thats the best I can describe it. Its been out of bloom for months but I haven't cut the spike. I cut the branches off because they stopped producing but the tip keeps trying to grow flowers. When the bud gets to be the size of a popcorn kernel it turns yellow! it's frustrating watching a new bud grow and die every few weeks.
My question is should I cut the spike? It's not growing anything successfully. I'm worried that not chopping it might hinder the plants development of future spikes. The plant seems to be healthy. Its grown one leaf and is starting another since the blooms fell. I just want to ensure a beautiful show next time.

[AboutOrchids]

In my non-expert opinion, I would remove the spike and allow the plant to put its energy into its new leaves and roots. Phal hybrids are not shy about putting up another spike when they're ready to bloom again.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by AboutOrchids

In my non-expert opinion, I would remove the spike and allow the plant to put its energy into its new leaves and roots. Phal hybrids are not shy about putting up another spike when they're ready to bloom again.

I'm no expert either, but I agree with Marc. I've discovered when a spike is allowed or encouraged to produce a second set of blooms it seems to delay the plants ability to produce healthy new leaves and roots. The second set of blooms are usually inferior to the first ones.

[BigRed]

Thanks for your input. I think I should cut it off now too. The old spike looks neat but I think I would rather have gorgeous flowers next time.

[Leisurely]

I have about 75 phals and I do not cut the spikes unless the plants looks unhappy. Each locale is different but my plants bloom from February to June. Beginning in June, they quit blooming. The plants are old and large and some have six spikes including old and new and they do make quite a show.

In your case however, I would cut the spike as it appears it is not going to do much more than what it is doing and let it put it's energy into growth.

[Singingirl96]

My only concern is if it is a bellina. If it is, you don't want to cut the spike if it is green.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Singingirl96

My only concern is if it is a bellina. If it is, you don't want to cut the spike if it is green.

When I was first interested in Phals (and before I joined OB) I am sure I read something about some Phals having 'continuous blooming' where one spike just keeps producing one or two flowers at a time rather than new spikes appearing for each blooming cycle.

Later on I could not find any reference too it and thought I may have dreampt it (not that unlikely for me )

When I read your comment about bellina I tried searching for more info to see if that was what I read about before, but I'm still not sure. Does bellina have this different sort of flowering pattern