I know we are artificially growing our plants,but in nature do the old
spikes stay or eventually die?I suppose what I am saying is, in nature there
isn't anyone with a pair of scissors ready to cut off the spike so what
really is best?everyone will have there own way I suppose.

--
Thanks Keith
"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
link.net...
Daniel,

You can cut the spike as you mentioned, and hope for a second flowering or
a
keiki, but you need to judge the condition of the plant first. It takes a
lot of energy for an orchid to bloom, especially a Phal, which blooms for
so
long.

If the plant's leaves are looking high and strong, you can risk cutting
the
spike. If it looks droopier than it did before, don't do it - the plant
needs to rest.

Personally, I rarely try to encourage a new bloom on an old spike; if the
plant wants to do it, it will, without our help, and if not, I give it the
chance for a little down time in which to produce new leaves. Think of it
as a gal being pregnant all the time. We'd get testy! S

Diana