Should I just leave it alone

[Brittany]

I have a phal, my first orchid, It was in bloom when I got it the first of April. It maxed out at 18 blooms, which has decreased to 6 blooms which have been on for at leased 6 weeks. These 6 blooms are 3 on a short spike off of the main large spike and 3 on a short small spike off of the plant.

My question is, should I cut these blooms off to give this plant a chance to rest. I also think that it needs repoted when I stick my finger in the media it feels mushy. Repot it with the blooms on, or just leave it alone.

Charlie

[mayres]

You can repot a phal any time - regardless of whether or not it has blooms and it doesn't seem to effect it much. It is optional as to whether to remove your spike - my personal preference would be to cut it down to the base this time of year - if it is happy and receiving good culture you will hopefully get another new spike forming in the next couple months - be sure and give it a good temperature differntial between daytime and night as we go into fall - this usually encourages the spikes to begin formation. Enjoy! Mike

[WIB]

You can leave the spike on, and you may get a secondary spike with blooms, but the plant won't look as graceful and the flowers won't be as numerous as on a new spike, generally speaking. My mistake with phals has been to let them get too cold in winter, and that may be a risk for you in Eastern Washington if you are also conserving fuel. -- Bill (originally a Tacoma boy)