Newbie Phal Q's

[brcire]

Hi all,

Very excited that I found this site. A newb here with a Phal. I have some Q's:

It appears that I have 4 spikes growing (greenish/opaque tubes that seem to be growing down and not up). Is it safe to have them all growing with the hopes of multiple spike flowers? One is already 5 inches and I have started bringing it up with a stick.

My phal is also sticky. I notice that there are droplets of "sap" on the underside of the leaves. Advice? is this normal, healthy?

I just cut down a large spike that was brown. There have not been any flowers on it for about a month. I cut it to an inch length from where it comes out of the plant itself. Can I expect growth from this?

I've had the plant for two years. It has been neglected at times but still produced flowers. I am determined now to provide more TLC to it in the hopes of a good life cycle. Any additional advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Eric

[mayres]

Welcome Eric -
At some point you might want to check out the American Orchid Society cultural sheets on Phalaenopsis care - http://orchidweb.org/aos/orchids/page01.aspx.
In the meantime - can you update your profile to show where you live? It will help in the future when members direct comments to you on tips.
Are you certain what you are referring to as spikes are not aerial roots? The way you describe their appearance sounds like roots. It would be unusual to have that many spikes unless you have a very old mature plant. Can you post a picture of the area you speak of?
Cutting the spike that close to the base will probably exclude future growth on it unless there is still a node left on the spike. To encourage future subspikes people often cut the spike(s) just above a node. As you will find as you continue to read and study - there are lots of options of what to do with spent spikes and they are one of personal choice - not necessarily right or wrong.
The normal time for most (but not all) phals to start the production of new spikes is in the next few months when the evenings start to cool down and you get a temperature differential between night and day.
Lots of phal growers on the forum so keep firing away your questions and concerns - mike

[chefatplay]

I believe Mike is right. However, don't dispare. Multiple aerial roots are a sign of good care. Keep up the good work.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by brcire

It appears that I have 4 spikes growing (greenish/opaque tubes that seem to be growing down and not up). Is it safe to have them all growing with the hopes of multiple spike flowers? One is already 5 inches and I have started bringing it up with a stick.

If they are indeed flower spikes it is certainly safe (assuming the plant is receiving good culture) for the plant to produce multiple spikes. Are you sure they're all spikes as spikes typically grow up on a Phal (at least with the most commonly found hybrids) while new roots grow down?

Originally Posted by brcire

My phal is also sticky. I notice that there are droplets of "sap" on the underside of the leaves. Advice? is this normal, healthy?

Orchids sometimes "leak" sap from their joints, this is normal and not harmful to the plant. But......I am a little concerned that this is occuring on the underside of the leaves. It may indicate the presence of some type of sucking insect which will chew a small hole to feed then when they move on a bit of sap leaks out. Check closelyt for mites or other sucking insects. Look in the Pests & Diseases section of this forum for how threads on this topic.

Originally Posted by brcire

I just cut down a large spike that was brown....Can I expect growth from this?

If there are no nodes left on the stem there will be no further growth.

Cheers

[chefatplay]

Kevin, that answer is the kind brcire was looking for, I'm sure. You have a lot more experience at this than I. Thank you.

[brcire]

I appreciate all the responses.

The spikes seem to be aerial roots. Good to hear that it is a sign of good health.

However, the droplets of sap do indicate some type of invasive pest I'll check out the pest section to find out how to permanently evict these orchid squatters.

I'll try to post a picture up of my plant and see if you all can offer any more tips.

Thanks again, I've been bouncing around on this site and other orchid sites to get info (this one being the best ). The orchid has always been a fascinating plant and as I learn more it becomes even more fascinating.

Look forward to chatting with you all some more.

[fred]

Hi Eric
welcome to the forum
I hope you enjoy your stay hetre with us

the members have given you some good advice
I look forward to seeing some pics of your orchid
we have heaps of awesome members here with heaps of knowledge so ask all the question you need to we are all here to help your with learning about orchids
happy chatting

[pikevi]

Welcome to the forum, brcire.

[PhalPal]

Welcome to the forum brcire.
Here is a thread that will help you to decifer between roots and spikes.
what does a new flower spike look like?