Quote Originally Posted by swallowevil View Post
Wow, thanks so much for the insta-reply, it is much appreciated. A couple follow-up questions if you don't mind though. Since I have a keiki started now is there any way to propagate it and make it into a separate plant?

My other question is, after I've cut off the spikes about how long should I expect it to take to grow new ones and then bloom again?

OK, I guess I still have more. Should I first re-pot and then cut off the spikes or cut off the spikes and leave it for a while until I re-pot? Then whichever route I should go how long of a time period between each task?

Thanks again for the reply, I'll check out this thread you provided in hopes of becoming a more self sufficient orchid grower.
The keiki will develop over time. You will want it to grow roots (at least three or four) and they should be about two inche to three inches long before you remove it from the 'mother' plant.

To answer your second question: After cutting off the non-blooming spikes, your phal, when given the right conditions should rebloom for you approximately the same time as it was in bloom before. So, if you had blooms in Feb or March, that is when you normally would expect to see them again. That said, different conditions and different crosses have different bloom times. If you do not see blooms after 12 months on a mature phal, then some aspect of your culture is not working. Most of the time it is lack of sufficient light. (number one cause)

Third question: You can cut off the spike and repot at the same time. No worries. Use a clean knife (one not used on other plants) and if you smoke, be sure to wash your hands before cutting off the spike. If the spike is green, you can tap a little bit of ciinamon on the cut to dry it out and keep it from getting an infection. It the spike is dry, then no worries, simply cut it off with a clean knife or razorblade, etc..

Yes, check out the article and also the one above it written by Sadie. She uses photos to show how a phal should look. Really good information there.

And enjoy the forum.

Cheers,
BD