When/how to cut spikes

[karen_jackson]

I was given an Oncidium for my birthday in October. This is a source of some hilarity among established friends and family who know I could a silk flower arrangement. However, I am diligently trying to keep this plant alive. He even has a name (L. Beauregard Jackson). So far, so good. Leaves seem healthy. I think I'm doing okay with light and water. But the blooms have now all fallen off. All that is left is the spike. Is it time to cut the spike back and, if so, how much? He also appears to have three separate psuedobulbs (is that the right word?!). Do they need to be separated? Thanks for the advice!

[mayres]

HI Karen -
You can cut the flower spike back anytime - as far back as you can without damaging the plant. Keep the plant together as it now is. The only time you separate the pseudobulbs is when your plant has so many that you want to divide it for yourself or to share with friends. Normally you want at least three good pseudobulbs per division when you do divide. After each blooming period your plant will shoot up new pseudobulbs from the corner of the last addition - and from each new addition you can potentially expect a flower spike from one or both sides - sometimes at the same time and sometimes they may alternate and spread out the blooming period. Good luck & Enjoy! mike