cutting off spike to induce root growth?

[samstom]

Hi guys,
I have a question and I hope people are able to help me out.

I have just repot my dendrobium, and when I was doing it, I found out that the roots are not growing well as the potting materials have rotted away and I guess the roots simply refuse to grow in them. Now, I have had it placed in a new pot with fresh potting materials.

Ok, my problem is, what can I do to induce root growth? Currently it is blooming really well, for more than a month I think. Do u think I should just cut off the spike so that it can concentrate all the resources on repairing and growing back its own roots? I do not mind removing the flower spike as long as it helps with the roots!

Any suggestions, guys

regards
samstom

[padams2359]

I would leave it alone until the flowers fall. I have had a den in bloom for about 2 months, and I am starting to see some of the flowers start to wilt. If the flowers are nice and strong, I think it may be in better shape than you might think. You can fertilize with a root boost to help them out, but at this point, cutting of the spike will not give you the immediate root regrowth that you might think.

[Cjcorner]

I am one of the, cut the spike and let the plant heal sort of people. However, without a picture, we can't really say for sure. If it is busting healthy, with no problems, and still has a reasonable amount of roots left, it shouldn't bother it to leave the spike.
Connie

[samstom]

Hi,
In fact the flower spike is one of the most colorful and it has the longest blooming period ever despite the fact that the roots are not growing too well. Previously, it has bloomed like four times.

Say if I cut off the spike prematurely, will it harm the plant?

[Cjcorner]

No, cutting the spike wont hurt the plant and if it is still in the mood to bloom you'll get a new spike when it's ready. Otherwise, it'll rest for awhile and store up strength and then put out a spike. Good Luck.....
Connie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I would cut the spike and try some rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.

Cheers,
BD

[smartie2000]

put the blooms in the vase and pot it up. just a repot can stimulate root growth, but rooting hormone doesn't hurt. Once it has apropriate growth it will once again hopefully (dends are stubborn for me)
cutting blooms off for growth does not hurt. I have already cut off the bloom of my Paph niveum and put it in a vase, and the plant has a stub that will become a new growth.

[samstom]

Any root hormones would u guys suggest?

[Pete]

cut the spike for sure. a lot of people will tell you to enjoy the flowers but if you want the plant to live in the long run cut the spike off. i wouldn't have even transplanted a plant while it was in flower in the first place.. either way make sure you got rid of the old rotten roots. if it has just all turned to brown slimy nastiness cut it all off, just go with whatever whitish fleshy roots are left. sometimes putting the plant into a sphagnum mix with fert mist once a day is a great way to induce new roots.