The Orchid Garden

Phalanopsis

Question:

Hello Edward, How are things in your neck of the woods? Temps etc? A previous poster Albertia is correct, if you cut the flower spike to put in a vase it will not last as long as leaving it on the plant. This doesn’t seem to bother standard cymbidiums? Cheers Wendy

| Should you cut the spike of Phals, in the same way that it is recommended | you cut Cymbidium Spikes, when all the flowers are open? Or is it better to | leave the spike on the plant? | Would appreciate any advice. | Ted | | | |

Response:

Cyms have a tendency to greatly speed up the sequencing of blooms. They open in order, but the first is not months before the last. Often a Phal. will not open the last, or even grow the tip bud, until after the first several blooms are gone. I would leave the spike on the Phal. thru its bloom cycle. Then the question is "Do I cut between the oldest flower and the first node, OR do I rest the plant by cutting off the entire spike?" How stong is your plant? Does it need the relief of not supporting the flower production and resting? Some say it is just,  "Heads, Yes; Tails, NO." Welcome to the Wonderful World of Orchids! And The way it GROWS best for you IS the best way for YOU to grow IT. SuE – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | Should you cut the spike of Phals, in the same way that it is recommended | you cut Cymbidium Spikes, when all the flowers are open? Or is it better to | leave the spike on the plant? | Would appreciate any advice. | Ted | | | |

Response:

The spike should be left on the plant ss long as the blooms are not all falling off–a mater of several months  If you cut the spike as soon as all flowers are open, you will enjoy their beauty for a much shorter time.

Response:

Most hobbyists cut the spike off after the initial flowering has finished. If you don’t cut off the spike the plant may bloom itself to death. — Matthew Swift Swift’s Orchids 6658 Carnelian St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701 Phone/Fax 909-483-5590 http://www.swiftsorchids.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Should you cut the spike of Phals, in the same way that it is recommended you cut Cymbidium Spikes, when all the flowers are open? Or is it better to leave the spike on the plant? Would appreciate any advice. Ted

Response:

Should you cut the spike of Phals, in the same way that it is recommended you cut Cymbidium Spikes, when all the flowers are open? Or is it better to leave the spike on the plant? Would appreciate any advice. Ted

Response:

As long as your plant is healthy and happy, it is a matter of personal preference.  Leaving the spikes on, or cutting them just below the last faded flower, may lead to secondary spiking [more flowers sooner].  Cutting the spikes all the way off will force the plant to put its energy into growing, and next years’ flowers.  If the plant should become stressed for any reason, then it is best to cut them off.  Good growing, — Kenni Judd Juno Beach Orchids http://www.jborchids.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Should you cut the spike of Phals, in the same way that it is recommended you cut Cymbidium Spikes, when all the flowers are open? Or is it better to leave the spike on the plant? Would appreciate any advice. Ted

Response:

Filed under: Cymbidium Orchids

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