No flowers, healthy(?) spike

[gamistriotis]

Hi. As everyone else I'm new here. I bought a phal about a year ago. Kept it's flowers for quite some months and then dropped them about three months ago. But the spike never turned bad. It's as green as the first day. Any tips as to how to handle it?

[RosieC]

Some people leave them. Personally I would cut it off simply to be more aesthetic.

It is possible it could decide to do something more, but often extra blooms on old spikes have less at a time and I prefer a brand new spike in most cases.

Cut it off with a sterile blade or sterile scissors as close to the bottom near the leaves as you can without damaging the leaves. Typically you might be left with an inch or so, maybe less.

When the phal is ready it will send up a new spike. This can typically by towards the end of the year, when a natural temperature drop will trigger the new spike.

[orchidsamore]

Some people leave the spike on to possibly get a few more flowers or a keiki growth (baby plant).

While commercial growers like myself always cut the stem to encourage stronger plant development, in your case the plant is a first time bloomer with a short spike.

The spike does not have any undeveloped nodes from which a new branch or a keiki could develop. You do not gain anything by keeping the spike, and it is taking strength away from the growth of the plant. Cut It.

[gamistriotis]

Thank you! And something else: is there an online store where i can get supplies? I live in greece and when I asked for orchid pots at a "specialised" store they told me to use ordinary pots! I guess orchids are a bit of an addiction since I never got so involved before. When would you say that it would be a good time to repot? Thanx in advance!

[gamistriotis]

Thanx! You are a treasure of tips and info. My orchids are all phalaenopsis. I own four. The one in the photos, a second in full bloom, a third that just lost it's flowers and it's spike is turning yellow and dry ( guess I must chop that off too?) and a mini phalaenopsis which is in full bloom and I bought it two hours ago. Any tips on them? Should I repot them to give them first soil to help them boost their growth?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You can use ordinary pots or use clear plastic bottles from sodas or milk, it doesn't matter.

If the regular pots don't have enough drainage holes or slots, you can add your own holes and slots.

Same goes for the clear plastic bottles.

This thread may be of interest to you:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...hole-pots.html

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Do not use potting soil!

Phals are not terrestrials, the ones you have are epiphytical plants and therefore grow on trees.

Medium or large grade bark is fine, but no potting soil.

[gamistriotis]

The funny part is that at the store they tried to sell me soil for the repotting! Thankfully I already read in the forum that it's not good and didn't fall for it. Soda bottles? Didn't think of that! Great idea. But should I repot all of them now?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It's growing season, so all growth may be active, particularly the roots. Best time to establish Phals faster when repotting. That way new roots can take hold in the new pots within days rather than weeks or months.

The soda bottle idea is ingenious, I didn't think of it either until someone else on the OB brought it up.

[gamistriotis]

Thank you! Off to a soda drinking orgy to get the bottles!!!haha! Thanx!