Yet another newbie question....

[mreckner]

My Phal finished dropping its blooms about a month ago, so I cut the spike about in half, between 2 nodes, as instructed, and sprinkled cinnamon on it. The spike is still green, but looks to be hollowing out. I have not seen any new activity out of the spike, but the plant has begun growing a new leaf. So, my stupid question is this; should I cut the spike further, or leave it be and hope I'll get some more blooms?

[mehitabel]

mreckner, to cut or not cut is a matter of individual choice. Many growers here will tell you they leave spikes on til they turn brown.

However, I would cut, for these reasons: Since your phal is growing a new leaf, it's telling you it wants to grow for a while. Go with the flow and just cut the spike. The "rebloom" on a spike that's finished is often just one or two flowers that are smaller and less vibrant than the ones that bloomed earlier.

By cutting the spike, you let the orchid have its way. If it is hellbent on re-blooming it will put out another spike. And this has happened to me several times. But more likely it wants to put out a couple of new leaves to support the new spike it's planning to put out this fall. If you concentrate right now on growing your phal the very best you can, the next spike you get can be bigger and more beautiful than the last one.

People are reluctant to let an old spike go because they fear they'll never see blooms again. But the opposite is true-- big healthy phals will bloom very easily with no special tricks, each blooming bigger and better than the previous one.

Please go to Big Leaf Orchids, where Peter Lin was written culture notes for growing and blooming phals for new growers. They are very good notes, and will give you a better idea of how to get your phal to rebloom.

[mayres]

There is no "should". You will get lots of different opinions on what to do with spent phal spikes and in the end it is up to the owner of each plant - no wrong or right. For me it depends on the time of season for a particular plant. This time of year my inclination is to cut all spikes to the bottom (off) and have the plant focus its energy on rebuilding roots and leaves for a larger spike next bloom season. Most hybrid phals will begin setting spikes late fall to early winter. I'm not particularly fond of "odd" angled side branches either - with usually smaller and less flowers. If I had a plant finish blooming in winter or early spring I might be more inclined to go ahead and see if it wanted to flower for awhile yet. Some folks never prune their spikes at all until they turn brown. Some prune to various node points. The healthier the plant is the more I would be inclined to leave the spike if you are leaning this way. Choose a course of action that fits your own desires and go for it. Again, I don't think you will find any/many folks on this forum that will say you "should........." regarding this question.

[mreckner]

How far down do I cut, if I decide to cut off the spike? All the way to the base? Thanks for all the advise. It is MUCH appreciated!

[E-Jag]

Yes, all the way to the base.

[mreckner]

Gah. I got home today, only to discover that my lovely new leaf has split open, right down the middle. Should I cut it off, or let it grow?

[mayres]

I would leave it. As long as it stays green it will photosynthesize and supply food/energy to the plant. I would only remove a leaf that showed rot/disease that was potentially spreading.

[mreckner]

Will do! Thanks for the advice!