Phal bud blast: spike cutting advice?

[pchadwic]

Hi: This phal lost all of it buds in the last three weeks. I'm fairly sure that it got exposed to too much heat and sun several weeks ago: since then, each successive bud has started green and healthy and then turned orange and dropped (see pics—these were taken 2 weeks ago but the pattern has held.)

The plan seems very healthy—roots are thick green and leaves are firm, green and large. There's been a lot of new root growth and a new leaf as well.
I'm trying to decide whether to cut the spike back a bit or all the way to the base. I'm wondering if a new round of budding from a secondary spike would have the same results—bud blast.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[jay]

There really are two sides to this question. You will find several members that say leave it and let it try to bloom again or maybe even keiki. Then there will be members that say cut it off and let the plant concentrate on getting stronger and bigger for the next blooming cycle. I usually cut it off after the blooms are gone, but that is just me.

As for all of the bud blasting. Does your plant catch a breeze from the A/C? Those blooms that blasted have been from the heat and stress, but they may have continued do to the A/C breeze. If it has been a dry spring/summer in NY then they could have blasted do to low humidity as well.

Sorry I don't have a definitive answer for your question, just more questions.

[psyc1210]

I had a Phal whose little buds blasted after being shipped to me in January. I cut it back to right before where the first bud had been, and it grew a subspike....and now that subspike is growing another subspike. But whatever you do, it's up to you. There's no right or wrong

[mayres]

As JoBeth notes - totally arbitrary. I'd cut it down at the base if it were mine this time of year - better chance of getting a good strong new spike in the normal time frame of 4-5 months from now. You never know for sure what the plant will do either. I cut down a double spike late spring that had three subspikes starting to grow - was I surprised that the plant immediately sent out a brand new spike - sometimes they are going to spike one way or other no matter what you do it seems! Enjoy! mike

[articuno75]

Plants are curious little boogers. Your plant looks healthy. Is this a new purchase by chance? Out of curiosity, I would leave it. Just to see if it would subspike. It's not going to hurt it. If the spike starts to fail, you can cut it then. As for the A/C, mine is on and blows on the orchids. I also have a fan on them too for constant circulation of air. The temp in my apartment fluxes in the 70s with humidity varying in the from 50-60s. So far my plants have acclimated to the conditions I have provided. I'm still playing the waiting game on a few.

[11Orchid126]

If you do leave it and it throws out more buds, you might consider tying a plastic bag over the end of the spike, in case AC is the drying problem.