Question
Hi Jim
I was given a lovely Phalaenopsis 6 months ago. The flowers lasted for ages but finally fell off 6 weeks ago.  I left the spike alone - it's not gone brown or anything, in fact, the tip of the spike looks exactly the same as when it had the flowers on it.  It's even got a little green nub right at the top of it.  

Should I leave the spike alone and see if it reflowers?  
Or should I cut it back?  

The plant has 4 large leaves on it and 3 smaller leaves. We live in London.
thank you.

Answer
Hi Michele,

You've done a good job with the phalaenopsis orchid, keep it up!  

As long as the tip of the spike is still green, leave it alone.  There are some phals that are capable of producing flowers on the same spike over several years.  When the bloom cycle starts, that tip will start to grow, making buds along the way.  It should begin this cycle some time in the next few months then several more months for it to be in full flower.  

I've never been to London but my wife, daughter and sister-in-law visited there several years ago.  They were really impressed with how friendly Londoners are.  Can't say the same for the French they met in Paris.  Also, London was nice and clean while Paris looked more like a garbage dump.  

Keep up the good work.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.