On Sat, 30 Oct 2004 14:02:21 -0400, Mike
wrote:

Dear orchid friends,

Regarding the used flower spike... After my phalaenopsis finished
flowering, the spike stayed green. Almost every source on the internet
suggested that I cut the spike. If I didn't, then any additional
flowers that it produced from the spike would be smaller and fewer. So
I cut the spike. I was told that this would allow the plant to grow
and produce a new spike next year.

Joanna however said that it would be easier for the plant to produce
flowers from an existing spike than to grow a new one. I'm confused
about this. Should I always leave a healthy spike alone and have it
flower again next year, or should I remove it after it's finished
flowering. I don't want the quality and quantity of the flowers to
suffer from this decision.

Any comments?

Mike


Mike -
Your plant has grown several leaves as well as looking good.
This is more important than flowering. We say to cut when there
is a question, because it is easy to kill a Phal by allowing it
to bloom too much. I had one that did not rest for 18 months.
It was lovely and I wish I still had it, but after 18 months it
was too tired to grow that new leaf. I thought it was doing fine
until it died. It is better to let it rest once in a while.
Next year you will be able to spot the new leaf growth or its
lack and know if your plant can grow both flowers and leaves at
once.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php