Arrgh the spike broke! Will I get a new one?

[Phoenixdawn]

I rescued a dried up and unwanted Phal from a house viewing (the lady was exceptionally anxious to hand it over), repotted it into new mix and a couple of months later it rewarded me with a new spike. Unfortunately it got knocked over and the spike, which had grown approx 4 inches only, got broken halfway.

Since the spike was broken so early in the development of this one, is it possible that the Phal may throw up another one, or am I now destined to wait another year to see what my little rescue looks like? Has anyone else had this happen?

[Brooke]

Maybe!

If there are nodes below the break it could branch from one of the nodes. I've also cut off spikes on young/seedling Phals and have them thumb their nose at me and send out another stem in the same spot where I removed it.

Good luck - Brooke

[Phoenixdawn]

I hope this picture is clear enough. This is the remaining spike. So, does this look like something that may stand a chance? :-((

[Hummer344]

It looks as though you have a node below the break. There is always a chance that the plant will throw a new spike from that node.

[orchids4me]

Hi,
I have to agree with brooke and hummer.

[hera]

As long as the spike dosen't turn brown and dry up leave it on. It won't hurt the plant and it may surprise you.

[mayres]

I recently had a huge phal with a spike nearly two feet long get the end four inches broken off. Last winter this plant had a phenomenal display of over 20 huge medium pink flowers on it so I WAS so excited. About a week later it sent out another spike on the other side. When it was 18 inches long the pot tipped off its pearch and the end of this one broke off as well! How can it be? I ask myself. Now I'm also waiting to see what happens on two big still GREEN spikes that have their "noses" cut off. Sometimes they do nothing exciting at all - but then again, especially if they are "happy" - they will do something to make you happy as well!

[Phoenixdawn]

They have to be "happy"!! Oh my, I'm still relatively new to all this, how on earth am I supposed to ensure they're "happy"? LOL just kidding - I'm sure its easier than keeping my daughter "happy"! And CHEAPER!!

Will keep an eye on it then, and keep you all posted on the outcome. Thanks for all the positive comments.

[Phoenixdawn]

Well its approximately six weeks since I posted my despair. And the Phal forgave me as you predicted. So here's the new spike. I'm looking forward to finding out what colour it is.

[syndywindy]

Way to go! Keep us posted on the progress.

[koshki]

Originally Posted by Phoenixdawn

I'm sure its easier than keeping my daughter "happy"! And CHEAPER!!

Uhh, I think there are a few of us on here who might disagree with you on this!

Good luck with the spike!

[Phoenixdawn]

Originally Posted by koshki

Uhh, I think there are a few of us on here who might disagree with you on this!

Good luck with the spike!

LOL will happily send you my daughter for you to experiment!

I've been lucky with my orchid adventure so far. Most have been acquired from death-row-sale-racks, or from folk throwing them out, so its been a fraction of the normal costs for me so far. I got a call from my brother last night who tells me that he's sending dad over today with 3 more rescue Phals for me. Seems others are now keeping the lookout for them for me too So a large amount of them are still unknown to me for colour expectations until they grace me with new spikes. The next 12 months offer a few surprises eh.

[Daethen]

Congrats on the new spike. I totally agree with you on it being easier and cheaper to keep the chids happy than keeping the kids happy. My daughter must be quite a bit like yours. Mom, I want..... Orchids just wait patiently for whatever you give them.

[mayres]

Way to go Dawn! My big phal that had TWO spikes broken off decided to respond with a variety of actions - 1 spike turned brown and died, 1 spike sent out two subspikes, and a 3rd spike just started! Yea! On another downturn - I broke the tip off another phal! Boooo. I guess the carnage comes from having too many plants grouped together in a small place - it doesn't take much of a "bump" to send a tender spike tip tumbling down to the carpet....... Once again we wait to see what happens next!?

[koshki]

Originally Posted by Phoenixdawn

LOL will happily send you my daughter for you to experiment!

Only if you will take mine in return! (Trust me, you do not want this deal!)

[Phoenixdawn]

Originally Posted by koshki

Only if you will take mine in return! (Trust me, you do not want this deal!)

Forget the daughter, I'll take the cats in your piccie

[Phoenixdawn]

Originally Posted by mayres

Way to go Dawn! My big phal that had TWO spikes broken off decided to respond with a variety of actions - 1 spike turned brown and died, 1 spike sent out two subspikes, and a 3rd spike just started! Yea! On another downturn - I broke the tip off another phal! Boooo. I guess the carnage comes from having too many plants grouped together in a small place - it doesn't take much of a "bump" to send a tender spike tip tumbling down to the carpet....... Once again we wait to see what happens next!?

Sure gives hope for all us Newbies who keep having the clumsies LOL. This post almost gives me hope that I can encourage extra spikes by having an 'accident' - betchya it wouldn't quite go that way by trying to plan it though eh? Phals would have a totally other thought thing going on to beat this mere humanoid!