New to phals and last bloom fell

[rradovitch]

Hello. I have my first phal that I got around Easter and the longer of my two spikes just dropped its last bloom. I still have a shorter spike that has 2 of 2 blooms open. Should I cut back the taller one and if so where? Also, would you recommend cutting back the shorter one after it drops its blooms?

Would now be a good time to repot it in a new media and should I continue to fertilize it?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi!

I think it is a good idea to cut back the flower spikes to allow the plant to grow. The flowers next time will be larger and the plant stronger. I recommend cutting the spike off about an inch above where it exits the plant. Others cut below the third node down to see if they get a branch and more blooms. This is fine if you have a really healthy, strong, phal, but most young orchids need to be cut back to allow them to develop roots and leaves.

Yes, now is a good time to repot. You should always fertilize your orchids. I recommend doing it weakly-weekly.

Cheers,
BD

[rradovitch]

This may be a stupid question but do I just cut it and let it be or do I need to put something on the cut?

Thanks!

[Becky15349]

You really can just cut it (carefully to avoid nicking the plant itself) - I don't put anything on my cut spikes and they usually just tend to dry up and become inconspicuous :-)

[Brutal_Dreamer]

You really can just cut it (carefully to avoid nicking the plant itself) - I don't put anything on my cut spikes and they usually just tend to dry up and become inconspicuous :-)

Very true. Just use a clean razor blade or a clean knife. Don't cut one plant and then another without cleaning the cutting utensil. I use a bleach/water solution on my nippers, and I use a torch on my knives. The razor blades, I just use on one plant and then wrap with masking tape and put in the trash.

Cheers,
BD