cutting phal spike

Hi!
I have a phal that just finished blooming and I'm confused as to where I should cut the old spike.

I understand that cutting high on the spike would possibly initiate re-blooming and I have read that the spike should be cut slightly above the first node nearest the base in any case.

I have ALSO read that the main focus of the plant would be on it's health/growth if it's spike is removed as close to the base as possible.

Focusing on health/growth is my main interest, so would you advise the same as I have read, in this case? If not, what is your advice?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Vicki

Vicki

If you have a strong healthy plant, cut below the last bud that had a flower, leaving the lower buds.

I remove all spikes by mid August to give the plant strength for the following year.

As long as my plant looks healthy and is growing well, I leave well enough alone. I've taken to leaving old spikes, not even cutting them at times. If however the plant is struggling, I cut the spike down to about two inches long and when it dries out completely I pull it away from the plant. Normally they'll pull off easily once dried out.

I left my phal spikes alone after last year's blooming. Most of them didn't give me new spikes, only buds on the old spikes. I will cut old spikes off this year after they are done blooming because I don't like the look...

I'm one of the "cut off at the base" kinda guys. I prefer that the plant work on growth all summer and save up energy for a burst of blooms over the winter.

I am the same as smwboxer, I like to see the plant growing and hopefully have better flowering next season.
Tednz