Number of spikes?

[lotusindigo]

The phal I received as a gift arrived with two spikes, both in bloom. I cut one spike after it dropped its last flower, and that spike is now developing a new growth from the highest node. The other spike has yet to stop making flowers... right now it has one bud opening and three more baby buds beginning to develop. From what I understand, eventually the spikes will run through their course of activity and then turn brown, at which point I should cut them from the base. And then I'll have to wait a year or so before the phal spikes again, assuming it's being cared for adequately. Correct me if I'm wrong. What I'm wondering is, when the phal does spike again, can I expect it to have two spikes like it did when I got it? Or is the number of spikes dependent on certain conditions?

[myorchid]

I believe it depends on the Phal and of course care. It may even have more spikes for you. Sometimes Phals will bloom for a really long time. I have one that starting blooming in Nov 2008 and still is!! Just keeps putting out buds!

Sounds like you have a good one!

[Plucky Purcell]

I'll second that: It depends on the plant and care.

Here's to hoping!

[kmarch]

Yes, to explain a bit further, some phals are what we call "sequential bloomers" which means they continue to flower usually 1-3 or so flowers at a time and you never need to cut the inflorescence to get a rebloom. Sometimes sequentials will still have very small buts at the tip of the inflorescence and they'll sit there for some time before going on to grow and open.