new leaf - or new flowers?

[andyt]

Hi,
I have a phal. that has just finished flowering. and i have been advised to cut down the spikes to above a node and they may reflower.

The plant also has decided now is a good time for a new leaf, and my question is whether I should really be encouraging it to reflower, or let it concentrate on the leaf instead, in which case, what should I do ?

great site!

cheers
andy

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

The plant, if healthy, will probably handle both. Normally Phals kept in bloom too long will have smaller flowers when the next bloom season comes along. But your plant may have been stimulated to bloom very early, so this is currently the bloom season for Phals. That means that your plant can rebloom and still have time to rest after it finishes reblooming. Cut above the node that is just below where the lowest flower bloomed on the spike. The higher the cut, the higher the probablility that the node will produce flowers and not a keiki (baby plant).

[jerrymeola]

With this one and many orchids it is a personal choice if you prefer larger plants or more flowers.

Cutting the stem completely will allow the orchid to put all its strength into growing.

The choice is personal.

It is not mentioned as often but with other orchids like Cattleya, you have the same choice only with pot sizes. Larger pots can make for a bigger plants at the expense of delaying flowering.

[andyt]

thanks to you both.
It's nice to learn a little something new every day . . .
andy