Phal. has 2 new spikes

[kocich1]

Hello,

I am new to the orchid growing world. Brought Pal. from work some months back. After flowering, not knowing what I was doing, I started misting the areas where the flowers were and I have 2 new spikes coming out from the crest of the old spike. I probably should have cut back the spike after flowering but didn't know any better. It is growing Very fast and has buds. Looks very healthy. Should I just leave the old spike alone?

[exasperatus2002]

I leave the spikes alone until they dry up. some people will cut them back to just above a node to try to encourage the spike to branch off and bloom again.

[mayres]

It would depend upon the time of year somewhat as to whether I would encourage someone to let them continue on or cut them down (spikes). Since this is the normal time to bloom anyway I would say letting yours flower again would not be a bad idea. One of the main reasons to cut them down is to encourage the plant to put its energy into improving/growing the vigor of the overall plant (leaves/roots) prior to the typical spiking in the late fall/early winter. With this said there is always a portion of people who prefer to try and get as many flowers each time that they can regardless - the bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to do it - whichever you prefer. Enjoy! mike

[joan gero]

You will now probably see two whole new spikes of flowers! Lucky you! Keep watering and giving the plant a bit of fertilizer as normal. It's generally easier for a plant to respike from an old growth than begin completely anew, so many growers wait till the old spikes are finished and then cut back the original spike 4 nodes up from the roots... which encourages respiking. But since you're plant is already respiking, and since it appears to be such a healthy spiker, you might want to cut down the original spike after these new growths have completed flowering. Good luck! Enjoy!

[kocich1]

Thanks for the replies. This is so exciting!! I never could have house plants because of my allergies and the orchids did not seem to bother me. She is growing by the day. 1st thing when I get home I go and see her progress. Wow!!

Also bought a Cymbidium last weekend. Absolutely stunning. One spike in bloom and one in bud. Doesn't look like it is going to have as many flowers as some pictures I have seen. Hope I can keep her alive!!

Thanks again —K