On Mon, 15 Sep 2003 06:01:55 GMT, J X M
wrote:

= If you have seen growth in the center leaf area (crown) and are
= sure the plant is doing well. Then just cut off the dry portion
= as it dies back, how ever far it dies back.

If I may add my question to this thread, I've cut my Phal's spike somewhere in the middle,
and there are two tiny leaves growing there. Now, is that a freak occurance or do these
plants somehow reproduce in this manner? I am guessing sometime in the future, roots will
perhaps show up... I was expecting another spike with buds somewhere along the way, but
this is just as fascinating.

Regards,

John McIntyre

It appears you got lost in the sale & shopping discussions.
Sorry.

Your Phal is probably going to develop a small plant at that
point. Some species are prone to doing that rather than sending
out a second flush of flowers. I am not a Phal specialist and
can not tell you what breeding lines do or do not do it more.
The name usually applied to this small plant is Keiki which is
Hawaiian for baby. So Mom Phal is producing a baby. The baby
will be identical to Mom and should be potted on its own when the
roots and leaves have developed. You want about 2-3" of root if
you get many roots, make that sum total, if not then linear. The
Keiki should bear the same name and awards as the Mom. They are
essentially the same plant.

Have fun with your growing pair. Oh, Keiki is pronounced as
KEY-key.

SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php