Spike/repotting confusion... help! - Orchid Board

Tulip Poplar · #1 01-06-2008, 11:38 AM

Hello, I have a small phal. collection, and two of them have spike/repotting questions:

1) a Phal. Ming-Hsin Joy 'Montclair' - A spike lost its last flowers several months ago, but the spike stayed green, so I haven't cut it. Meanwhile, a new spike is coming in. Should I cut the first one? Also, it really needs to be repotted... is that okay to do at this point?

2) a Phal. cornu-cervi alba 'FANGtastic' - Again, a spike lost its last flower a month or two ago, and has remained green... but the description where I got it says it can flower off the same spike for years, so I assume I should leave the spike? Also needs to be repotted... same question - is it okay to do now? There is no apparent new spike.

Thanks for you help on either or both of these!

quiltergal · #2 01-06-2008, 12:34 PM

In answer to plant #1, I would not repot until it is done blooming unless it is in badly decomposed media and showing signs of root rot. I would also cut of the finished spike. It theoretically could bloom again but the blooms won't be as numerous or large as the first bloom. It has to have viable nodes that are still green. If they are dry and papery looking it won't bloom again. It's kind of a personal call.

Plant #2 can be repotted now if necessary, and yes you are correct that it will continue to bloom from that spike for years, so don't cut it.

In general it is always best to repot when the plant is exhibiting new root growth unless it is an emergency (like root rot, or bugs).

Tulip Poplar · #3 01-06-2008, 01:14 PM

Thanks, Terri. Looking at plant #1, I am seeing a few blackish roots and some brown. Also, roots are VERY crowded. It's in the moss and plastic cup it came in. What do ya' think?

quiltergal · #4 01-06-2008, 04:50 PM

Can you post a picture? That will help.

Tulip Poplar · #5 01-06-2008, 05:41 PM

Here are a couple of pics of plant 1. Should I repot even though a short spike is there?

quiltergal · #6 01-07-2008, 04:07 PM

I would. That sphag looks pretty decomposed. I don't think it will hurt the spike any.

Ross · #7 01-07-2008, 04:17 PM

This might be the best time to repot since the new roots look so healthy.

Tulip Poplar · #8 01-07-2008, 07:06 PM

Thank you Terri and Ross! Will do.

Oldguypops · #9 01-07-2008, 08:15 PM

I believe both could be replanted at this time with no harm done. Try to be as gentle as possible with the good roots, and make sure you cut out all the rotted ones.
It will make for a healthier plant and the flowers may stay on longer.
Chris