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| Phalaenopsis are the one family of orchids that you can leave the stem if you chose. On a Phal, after the flowers are finished it is possible for the bare stem to branch and produce more flowers. Usually these second growth flowers are not as large or plentiful as the first time. Also the plant is capable of producing a Keiki (Hawaiian for baby plant) on the stem. Commercial growers usually cut the flower stem early to conserve strength in the plant. Producing flowers is strenuous on the plant. since second growth flowers are not as showy, they are not really sell-able at this time so they go back on the shelf till next season. As a hobbyist you can cut it or leave it. Additional flowers are always fun for you, whether there is as many as the first time or not. Keikis are exciting for many people although they are slow to grow and not worth the effort commercially (Phals reproduce from seed faster). So the answer is to decide how the plant is going to give you the most enjoyment. If you decide to remove it cut it off near the bottom of the plant. If you decide to keep it cut the old part of the stem just above the first node (right about where the flowers started). If the stem gets soft or dried out hard then it is finished and should be removed.
__________________ jerry |
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| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| could someone please ID where the flowering spikes are? | jumbojimmy | Newbie Questions | 2 | 09-26-2006 07:01 PM |
| stagger flowering by cutting flower spikes | tagore | Newbie Questions | 3 | 09-06-2006 02:38 PM |
| Dendrobium not flowering | peaty | Newbie Questions | 7 | 06-14-2006 04:44 PM |
| cutting stem | nephthyswa | Newbie Questions | 6 | 05-22-2006 09:55 AM |
| Multiple spikes on phals | kanda | Orchid Care Cultivation | 14 | 03-24-2006 12:06 AM |
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