Phal flower stalk - to cut or not to cut?

[aqualady]

Hello all...

My boyfriend just bought me a beautiful Phal with deep purple colored flowers. Of course it was potted in Sphag moss and the plant looked pretty healthy, but definitely in need of a repot. I finally broke down and bought some quality potting media from Repotme.com, and repotted it (even though it would have been better to wait until the Spring). A couple of the older flowers have started to wilt, but there are new buds still opening. From what I understand, typically Phals should be growing new leaves and roots at this time of year, not blooming.

My question is whether or not to cut the flower stalks in order to try and keep the plant on a regular bloom cycle or just relax and let the plant "do it's thing." I'll try and post some pictures, but I'm using my phone for this post, so I don't know if I'll be able to.

[Silje]

I'd say let it do its thing. It will get into its own natural bloom cycle soon enough. You only just got it, and it's flowering now, so enjoy the flowers as long as they last before you cut the stems.

[tucker85]

I agree. The orchid knows what to do, better than we do. If it needs energy it will abort the blooming process. Good luck.

[WhiteRabbit]

Some Phals can bloom for a long time one the same spike. Definitely let it do it's thing

[Bill U.]

Definitely let it do it's thing- the phal will tell you what it needs when it needs it. Happy growing!

[RosieC]

Some phals can grow leaves/roots at the same time as flowering, especially in the growing season.

If it seems to want to continue flowering then let it, if the spike dries up and turns brown then you can cut it off but otherwise I would leave it.