How to grow second spike or split spike on phal

[Mr. Jackson]

Hi, I'm new to this, have only owned 2 orchids, bought both at the same time one was a phal other was a dendrobium and phal hybrid, the hybrid died 4 months in from a fungus and nearly killed my other phal as they sit next to each other.

I've now have had the phal for almost a year now, and its growing a kieki which is in bloom amazingly enough and is almost done growing it's third leaf. My question is is after the kieki is frown and ready to be removed from the mother plant how would I be able to make the mother plant grow 2 spikes or grow one and have it split in two?

[orchidlady]

Hi Mr. Jackson ,

Getting a plant to grow multiple or branching spikes depends somewhat on how well the plant is grown. If it gets really great conditions that it likes, it may grow more spikes. However, a lot has to do with genetics as well. Plants with certain species in their background tend to branch or grow more spikes than others.

Susan

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Mr. Jackson ,

Getting a plant to grow multiple or branching spikes depends somewhat on how well the plant is grown. If it gets really great conditions that it likes, it may grow more spikes. However, a lot has to do with genetics as well. Plants with certain species in their background tend to branch or grow more spikes than others.

Susan

Very good answer!

The best you can do for this orchid is to give it a rest. Since it has grown a keiki and bloomed, as soon as you remove the keiki, cut that spike off and let the plant grow new leaves and roots. Give it good fertilizer and light and before long it will produce another spike. And, as Susan said, depending on the background of the plant, you may get a second spike or even a branching spike.

Welcome !

Cheers,
BD

[margo]

Welcome to out group!!! Happy to have you join us!!!

[mohi]

I agree with Bruce... I have lots of experience wasting energy of phals... Last year I made my phal produce 4 seedpods... Now she has a keiki but is doing fine... The best thing to do is giving them rest so they can produce a bigger, showier spike next time... Good Luck...