Spike Snipping Redux

[Orchidementia]

My phal Be Tris x Yukehime has set out two subspikes that have well-developed buds (yay!). The subspikes are below older growth that has bloomed out. Do I snip (or can I) snip off the old growth or just let it while the new growth blooms?

[patticake]

From what I can tell from your post, I would say you can cut the old growth a little above where the new spikes come out.

[katrina]

CONGRATS!! I love it when things like this happen...I believe it means the plants are super happy.

I had two phals do that last winter and I snipped off the old and browning part above and to the sides of the new spike-ettes. I don't know if it was right or wrong but I wanted to tidy up the plant so the overall appearance would stay pretty. Didn't seem to hurt them.

Kat~

[solay]

Soooo, where's the pics.??? Great growing!!!

[Orchidementia]

I don't think I had much to do with this - I think equestris and its hybrids like to spike and branch. I just didn't kill it!

Here's a terrible picture (artificial lighting + flash = suck)

[Brooke]

I just cut back some yesterday that still had buds viable on the tips of l-o-n-g spikes but had multiple branching below them. It will keep the energy lower on the spike and keep the spikes more in balance with the plant.

Brooke