Where to cut my Phal ?

[Anton]

OK, the time has come.

Where would the "resident experts" suggest I cut this Phal, I am posting these images so that other newbies can learn by it too.

There seems to be 2 schools of thought, one cut it right back to the leaves, the other, to cut just below the flowers.

Which to do here ? AND, more importantly, WHY ?

OK, the lines are open.

[atcrosby]

It depends ..

If you want to see if it puts out more flowers, I would cut back to just above the first bump/nub right below the flowers. You may get another spike to grow from there (or a Keiki depending on the plant's mood). If you're done with the flowers and want it to rest for next year, I would suggest to cut back to the leaves (about an inch above).

Phals can be prolific bloomers (certain varieties) but they can also be overbloomed where the plant will bloom itself to death.

[mayres]

The spike on the right looks to be turning yellow/brown (?) - if so, this will not amount to anything - cut it at the base. The other one you could, as Tom says, cut it just above the first node you come to going down the stem from the first blooming flower - my vote is cut the entire spike off as well and let the plant build up its energy for the next bloom cycle. Of course the choice is totally up to you. Enjoy! mike

[LLW]

I have even cut spikes that are beginning to turn brown to just above the first "bump" or node that is still green and have occasionally gotten another branch of flowers. I have never been able to get myself to cut a spike while there were still flowers on it , but I usually get that second branch on my older plants even after all of the flowers are gone off of the spike. The flowers are usually smaller and there are fewer of them.

Those are really beautiful flowers by the way. Lashelle

[Anton]

Thanks for the advice.

This morning before going to work I took the initiative and did cut the brown one to about an inch from the base, because as Mike said, it looks rather sick.

I think I will take the plunge and give it breathing space by cutting the other one off at the base too, it has been good by flowering for just over 3 months, so deserves a break.

Lashelle, here it what it looked like in full bloom.

[LLW]

Oh WOW! Really pretty! I have two Phals in spike now and I hope to get some good pictures when they bloom, but that is a few weeks away at this point. Lashelle

[Anton]

They a really good ornimental plants, I am waiting to get a Phalanopsis violacea that has been cultivated for me.

Now, THAT is a pretty orchid !

Then I'll have the two of them gracing my lounge room window which faces north, equivalent to your "facing south" up there where you are.