Phal.- Energizer bunny..

About one month ago I pollinated one of my phals and it's now maturing the seedpod. That's all fine, but this morning when I was watering the babies, I noticed that my pollinated phal was starting to produce a new spike. So now I'm thinking whether or not the plant will have enough stamina to both mature a seedpod and a new spike all at once? I really wan't to keep the seedpod rather than the new spike if one of them has to go..

What should I do??

Christian

I have heard that phals that are very healthy can indeed support multiple spikes, keikis and even pods at the same time. I would keep an eye on the new spike, and if it seems to be struggling, then cut off the pod. Or if you want to be conservative, cut the pod off now.

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Diane

"NA BEAN DO'N CHAT GUN LAMHAINN"

But I would rather keep the pod than the spike - what will the plant say if I cut it's spike?

"Ouch!" - just kidding. It won't hurt the plant if you cut the spike. Although it may put out another one if it is determined to bloom.

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Diane

"NA BEAN DO'N CHAT GUN LAMHAINN"

Christian, I would definitely cut the spike. No question. If your plant is trying to mature a seed pod, let it work at that. My two crossed Cattleyas were very healthy when I pollinated them - one growing out of an 8" pot. By the time the pods matured 6 months later, both were very tired and taxed. It left the smaller susceptible to a fungus that I'm still watching. Both are still in R&R.

Don't risk the plant by getting greedy, even if it looks fine now. If it has all that energy, it will throw another spike after the pod comes off. That will be much safer.

McJulie

I will then!

I was thinking if I could use the bit of spike I cut of for meristeming? It is a growth point right?

Christian

I sure think so, but I'm not a plant botany guru.

McJulie

Well I couldn't really find a guide on how to, so I just kinda went for it:
Made a quick glovebox, made some medium and sterilized it, cut of the emerging spike, put it in peroxide, through the entire lot in the glovebox, hosed everything down with peroxide, waited 15 mins, cut the thing in two and finaly put each piece in a flask with medium with the cut facing down in the medium... I hope I got it sterile - it all became kind of improvised ... Well I'll let you know if/when something happens!

Christian

Definitely let us know how it goes, Christian - fingers are crossed!

McJulie

My Phal NOID was able to grow two new leaves, lots of new roots and a good seedpod with good seeds for 7 months. I bet if anyone can do it, a Phal can!

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All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

-J.R.R. Tolkien, LOTR, Fellowship of the Ring