What did I do wrong here?

[Orchid_lady]

My Phal has drop the last bloom and I read that you cut back below where the old flower had bloomed so another flower spike could grow. I did and days later the stem started turning yellow and dried. I cut it out. The phal is doing well since the roots are having new growth. But what happened with my stem? Why did it dried out completetly?

[Maba]

Some phals can be encouraged to grow another spike off the old one if the conditions are right, but there is no guarantee. When a spike goes ahead and dries up it's normal and just means you have to wait until next time. As long as the plant itself is happy, you will get more flowers in due time.

[jerrymeola]

You will only get new growth on an old phal stem about 1 in 5 times. Your plant is fine.

Also you should realise that while it may put out more flowers it is usually only 1 or 2 no where as impressive as the original flowers. It may also grow a new keiki (baby plant) but keikis are very slow to grow. Many hobbist and all commercial growers cut the stem off after flowering so the plant can take its energy into new growth and better flowering next year. Whether to do it or not is your preference.

By the way phals need a cooling to flower. Around November they should be placed in a spot where the night temperatures drop down to around 50 or they many not flower.

[Orchid_lady]

Well thats certainly great news!