Cutting old spike on Phal.

[hank3443]

I have a few phals. that have bloomed on old spikes two or three times, they are a little long in the tooth and was curious if there is a rule of thumb on cutting it. The phals. all have new spikes growing and the blossoms on the old spikes have been getting smaller. Thanks Hank.....

[orchidlady]

There is no rule of thumb, but if the spikes have been there for a long time and new ones are coming I would cut the old ones off so the plant can put maximum energy into the new ones.

Susan

[Brutal_Dreamer]

There is no rule of thumb, but if the spikes have been there for a long time and new ones are coming I would cut the old ones off so the plant can put maximum energy into the new ones.

Susan

I agree!

Cheers,
BD

[dudleyleroux]

me too

[smwboxer]

Also agree.

[Slyjester]

This is a good question. I have only been cutting the spikes when they turn brown.

I have never had a Phal with multiple spikes, but since I've switched everything over to the "Hydroponic System" things have really exploded. It seems like I have multiple spikes all the time now, but the "newer" spikes are not as tall as the original spikes. They are about half as long. The buds haven't opened yet, so I'm not sure if the flowers will be as big. Only time will tell.