Cut or not

[orchid_girl]

One of my orchids are completely finshed flowering. Should I cut the spike back totally or just leave it? I tried cutting it back to a node but no new growth has come out. About how long does it take for new growth to start after cutting back to a node? Is it better for the plant to just cut it back completely?

[PhalPal]

I like to cut my spikes all the way back to about 1/2 inch from the media. I have found that the 1-3 flowers I MAY get with a re-bloom are quite sub-standard and drain the plant too much. I like the process of growing new leaves and roots, flowers are the bonus. You will get many different opinions on this; nobody is right or wrong. It all comes down to what you want to get out of your orchids and at what cost.

[Jo_Pyeweed]

PhalPal is right - you are probably going to get different opinions on whether to cut the spike above the node or not.

I take my cues from the plant when deciding to cut off the spike completely or just above the first node. If the plant is healthy, has 4+ big leaves, and especially if it has recently had a new leaf, then I cut the spike above the the first or second node. I do this right after the first two or three flowers fall off. If the plant doesn't have enough leaves or if it hasn't grown a new one for sometime then I cut off the spike as soon as the first few flowers fall off.

I have noticed that if I wait for most of the flowers to fall off the spike before cutting it above the node, I don't usually get another bloom from it, or, if I do get blooms, then there aren't too many flowers.

Cheers,
Jo

[orchid_girl]

I think I'm gonna cut the stalk on that one just because it seems to be trying to grow new leaves. My other one seems like it is trying to grow a second spike on it so I'll probably leave it alone for right now to see what happens. Thanks everyone

[kmarch]

It depends on what kind of orchid you're talking about. What kind is it?

[orchid_girl]

It is a phal. I believe the sticker said a golden leopard.

[mayres]

This time of year I would definately vote for cutting it back as far as you can safely cut down to the base. A couple months and it should be thinking about sending up a new spike.

[orchid_girl]

So I guess I should cut them both back then? My white one and the other one? . I cut the golden leopard already and one of the white one's spikes. The white one's last flower fell yesterday and I see no more blooms. But also on the white one's second spike it looks as if a new spike (or keikei I am not quite sure) is trying to come out.

[mayres]

As has been noted in many threads - there are many ideas on what to do with spikes once the first wave of flowers have finished - no one answer is necessarily right or wrong - part of the decision of what to do can also be heavily influenced by the time of year, health of the plant, genetics of the plant, etc. In general (there are exceptions), most plants will benefit by having spikes removed this time of year (northern hemisphere) by rebuilding the roots/leaves and reward you with a larger more spectacular spike/spray of flowers the next round. If it were me I would remove a spike that is starting a subspike this time of year - but that is just my way of thinking - you run some risk if you go ahead and let it develop and flower of having a smaller spike next time and maybe it could even skip a natural blooming cycle.

[orchid_girl]

I guess I will go ahead and cut them then. It seems like it would be better. Thanks everyone for your patience !