What is 'topping' a plant?

[OrchidTraci]

I've read in one of my orchid books if phals get very tall to top them. What exactly does this mean? I have an equestris phal that is getting pretty tall with no leaves falling off. I also have a keiki growing off of it.

[uncasteeb]

As i understand it(never had to do it yet) you cut the main stalk of the Phal making sure you have some roots above the cut.Treat the wounds & pot the top half as per normal.The bottom half will sometimes throw a keiki.Basically it,s to keep a Phal from growing out of the pot.

[OrchidTraci]

I may have to try it. This bad boy is getting out of control tall. I hate to resort to orchid surgery, but if it keeps putting out leave I may have too. I've *never* had this problem before, it's always a root issue with my phals!