Question
Hello Jim. I sent out a SOS in March about a phal with very bad root rot damage. I had had to cut away most of the root system and asked whether I should cut the spike (which was trying to bloom). Wayne (on holiday now) suggested back then I wait lest it develop a keiki. Six months on: I am delighted to say that the plant has clearly recovered; it has many aerial roots and new leaves. But at this point I wonder if it is time to cut that spike after all. In my absence the third node sent out a branch (5cm now), however it's thinner than the main one and the buds on its first nodes aborted. It has some new (green, but small and cramped) buds on the tip.
My impression is that the phal hasn't got the energy yet to look after its spike, and anyway it needs that energy to develop roots. I am tempted to cut the spike right now at the base, as I feel it should have been cut 3 weeks ago, when it sent out the branch. Is this too drastic? Is there a better moment, maybe say end of August or Sept? I have no idea. What do you think, please? Thank you!
PS does it matter that I suspect this of being a violacea? (leaves' growth is clearly horizontal)


Answer
Hello Barbara,

Your instincts are right on about the phalaenopsis plant needing all of its resources to grow leaves and roots.  I would suggest cutting the spike off now, sacrificing the few flowers that might open for a bigger and grander show next year.  

No, it doesn't matter what kind of phalaenopsis it is, they all need time to recover from blooming and begin the growth cycle in preparation for next years blooms.  

But, with that said, in the future if the phalaenopsis plant is healthy and growing, you can leave the spike alone as long as the tip remains alive.  If the tip begins to die and turn brown, cut the spike off for the above reasons.  

Lastly, if there are aerial roots growing, you might try directing them into the potting media or even repotting it again.  Phalaenopsis are one of the orchids that enjoys being repotted annually.  You can repot it almost any time but the best time to repot is when the tips of the roots turn green, indicating the phalaenopsis is about to begin the growth cycle.  Also, if there is a dark stump at the bottom of the phalaenopsis which makes it difficult to set it properly in the pot, you can cut an inch or two off the bottom.  Just be sure to allow the cut to air harden for a couple of hours or treat it with powdered cinnamon prior to potting.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.