Terminal spike on phal orchid - argh!

[aesir22]

Hi everyone,

One of my phals (pic below) has grown a terminal spike. This is the second time its happened to me in 6 months!!! Would it do any good trying to remove it?

[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

[aesir22]

I have been hoping for a keiki from my other phal that did the same thing lol

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Sorry, Danny. I hope you get a keiki!

Cheers,
BD

[Diamond]

What's terminal spike?
is it a spike that grow from a tip of an old/cuted spike? Not axillary?

sorry, but could not find anything for clearing it up for me by myself. thanks

[orchidlady]

It is a spike that comes out of the center of the top of the plant where new leaves normally come out. A spike comes out instead of a leaf.

Susan

[Diamond]

Oh, I see.

Never saw one. Think it's good, hum? thank you so much Susan.

[Gin]

Not good, it means the plant won't produce anymore leaves from the top .

[Diamond]

rsrsrs I meant it's good I never saw one, rsrsrsr Thanks again.