| How long had your phal been in flower? Maybe nature had run its course and it was their time? On the average they should last about three months - of course if they are purchased in bloom we don't know how long they have actually been in bloom. Where to cut the stem is indeed a subjective activity. This time of year my own opinion is that they should be cut at the base as close to the start as possible. This time of the year I like my phals to be building up their leaf and root system for a brand new spike this late fall. Some indeed like to cut just above a node as you have noted to encourage a secondary spike. Depending upon many factors, including genetics, time of season, cultural habits, etc. you may or may not get another spike right away. Sometimes it will not spike, but will send out a secondary spike at the node the next growing season in lieu of a brand new spike (which is fine for some people, but I would prefer a new spike). Secondary spikes typically have slightly less and smaller flowers than primary spikes. Sometimes the entire spike just turns brown and then then the only alternative is to cut it completely off.
Enjoy your new phal and WELCOME!
mike  |