There's no reason not to cut off the other spike if you're growing it in a sphag and bag environment. It won't hurt the plant, it can only help. Also the phal with no roots may survive in the sphag and bag also. Good luck.
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Hi, I have a phal that was given to me with root rot, two spikes that were cut at the top after blooming. Both spikes are green and one has put out a keiki. It’s currently in a spag and bag environment. So far the keiki has put out two small roots and the mother phal has one new root. I would like to know if it’s safe for me to cut off the spike with no kekie to allow the mother plant to focus on the kekie and to grow more roots.
Second Questions: Another rescued phal, this one has no roots but there is a new leaf growing. Do I have hope? It’s in the spag and bag environment also. Thanks!
There's no reason not to cut off the other spike if you're growing it in a sphag and bag environment. It won't hurt the plant, it can only help. Also the phal with no roots may survive in the sphag and bag also. Good luck.
1st Question - I think it's fine to cut the spike. I'd also cut the keiki (and pot it) once the roots are 2+ inches long. Sounds like they'll be fine. I personally would move it from the sphag and bag because you have roots. Normal media should be fine now as long as it's kept humid.
The 2nd Question - Yes there's hope. I've rescued worse. It just takes time and patience. A new leaf is a good start. Keep doing what you're doing. I've had some phal with root rot that grew 3 new leaves before throwing a single root. They all act a little different...
Thanks for the replies much appreciated.
Thanks TirSgel and tucker for this info. I've been hunting for it! I'm pretty sure that my phal is growing a keiki on an old spike. Excitement!