Terminal spike on phal orchid - argh!

[Cjcorner]

From what i've read, the terminal spike is the plants way of trying to make a copy of itself before it dies. Usually, the middle is damaged somehow. You may get a keikei if you leave the spike. And, No it won't help to remove it. The core of the plant has been injured somehow. (at least that's what i've read)
Good Luck

[orchidlady]

It is caused by the growing tip of the plant losing or gaining chromosomes. When this happens, the plant cannot grow normally from the tip any more. Cutting the spike off won't help. The plant may put out a basal keiki and continue on that way, though sometimes a terminal spike can happen again.

Susan