cutting inflorescence

I have noticed that people who know what they are doing seem to cut the phal inflorescence about 1 inch from the bottom when they are cutting it off, as opposed to right where it emerges from the plant.

Can anyone tell me the reason for this?

It doesn't matter where you cut it, as long as you use a clean instrument. It is far more difficult to cut off a spike right flush against the plant, either with a heat-sterilized blade that can torch tissue that it comes into contact with, or a razor-sharp scalpel. And there is no need to cut them flush.

__________________
Jason

ooh! Another fab benefit to being an internist! You get to use scalpels on your orchids? Cool!

I use my cooking "creme brulee" torch to sterilize my blades - but just ran out of butane! If you'd have told me what I'd really use this thing for a few years ago I'd have thought you had three heads. At least! (BTW, no, I've not yet actually *made* creme brulee with it! Benefit of managing at Williams-Sonoma= 40% discount! )