Phalaenopsis orchids: to chop or not to chop spent green flowers spikes!!?? MILLION $$ question!

[@kevins9242]

What a fun experiment... I can't wait to see what happens! I had a small tree outside that developed a 'limb' that was getting thick and became the same height as the main trunk. So, I thought that I would help the tree and cut off the limb to maintain the original straight growth habit. But, another limb got thick and grew tall. That new limb is now the main trunk and the original trunk is just a small limb. A tree has got to do, what a tree has got to do! I think that its probably the same with phals.

[@helloplantlovers]

Yes! Thanks for watching....we might have a winner soon too!

[@PIAMUSA]

You are so right, everyone has their own. ways of growing phalaenopsis, I know I do. Most of my orchids are phalaenopsis and i've used three different media and one of them are sphagnum moss. And yes I grow some of them in. jars. Caterpillars are clever, i have problem with slugs and mealybugs. I usually don't cut the green stem right away, If I see something that there's going to be another spike then I leave it alone. I like your style.

[@helloplantlovers]

Well thanks for watching!

[@suethompson6497]

I never cut them unless they are browned or the orchid is in stress with roots. It takes energy for the Phal to produce the spikes so I want the orchid to absorb that back. Dustin from “Here but Not” explains the reasoning behind this much better than I can. 🌸

[@helloplantlovers]

Thank you!

[@PaNdeM0niuM]

Those phals are HUGE!!

[@helloplantlovers]

Aren't they!

[@jennys4271]

Just found your channel. Love your style! If I have a “rehab” plant I leave the spikes on as I think there’s logic to the theory they pull nutrients from the spike. But if I’m looking for a big show I cut the spike to get more blooms on the next spike. I have noticed that reblooming spikes don’t produce as many flowers all at once :-)

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks for watching!

[@CandysGarden]

I love experimenting with plants😊😊 when I did have an orchid, I only cut the spike because I was told to do so thru "research"

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks for watching - I have a three way bet to see what's best!

[@FernandaNascimentoOrchids]

Goodness, those are huge Phals. Regarding cutting or not spikes, it depends. I do not cut them on multifloral or summer bloomers. On complex hybrids, I do not have the space for very long spikes nor do I like to see blooms on the top of long bare spikes. But I cut above the first node and they can still branch from there if and when they want.

[@helloplantlovers]

Aha....a semi chop! But I do agree on the aesthetics....we'll see what mine looks like!

[@SlMPATICA]

I cut them usually. I don't like to see flowers dangling from a bare spike.... with lots of old nodes spent. I've tested leaving the old spikes on... and when it branches - instead of elongating - it's always much more pleasing to the eyes. But it's also true that the second flash of blooms usually ends up to be in early summer... when temperatures are already very warm and so the blooms get spoiled rapidly. Does really worth it at this point the second flash of blooms? Mmmmmhhh.... not always - in my opinion. Also, I have the feeling that leaving blooms always on is not good to have the best performance regarding vegetation growth. In our home we can't replicate the perfect environment for phals.... so having blooms for a lot of months, even during summer, to me it seems too much. Considering the fact that they are already not in the 100% suited environment! Of course, this is my opinion and you're doing such a great thing experimenting! It's always fun cause orchids are so unpredictable! Kisses from Italy, Ala.

[@helloplantlovers]

Well I tend to agree with you! But.....I'm prepared to try! Let's see!

[@patriciabell6650]

Hi l left a spike on my first orchid for a year and it developed a keiki .l have now separated them and they both have a flower spike looking forward to the flowers so well worth it.

[@helloplantlovers]

Aha!! Thanks for the insight.....lets see what mine does...or doesn't do!

[@costadenae4692]

wow those guys are massive!! I cut my spikes after the blooms have fallen off. I tried leaving it on once, and I did re-bloom, but only 2 flowers, and they were smaller than usual. can't wait to see your results.

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks for watching - yes I feel I shall revert to chopping too but I'm curious to see what happens!

[@sue5061]

these Phals are so huge, and on the munch did you actually get the catapillar, if not it could have been a coachroach they luv orchid leaves. I leave my spike stalks on till they completely dry up as they will respike down the stem. good luck

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks for watching!! And yes it was a caterpillar...but I'm kinda HORRIFIED to learn that cockroaches love orchids too!!!!! Who knew they had such good taste!?

[@PlantNationMinh]

Cut or not to cut? That's am interesting question. I generally cut mid way up the stem. Will be interested to see your experiment results later on in the flowering season. 💖

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks for watching!

[@wandashaw3551]

This will be very interesting! :0

[@helloplantlovers]

Hopefully!

[@BlackCat-fr4ue]

1 year on and it's time for an update.....

[@helloplantlovers]

Ha! Still blooming from the uncut spike! I might make a short about it actually - thanks for the reminder!

[@BlackCat-fr4ue]

@@helloplantlovers Mine is now into its 3rd flowering or should I say re-flowering. Last year's spike turned brown and has been removed. Currently has 3 main spikes (1 from each of the past 3 years) and many branches with new flowers just opening. Look forward to the short.😀😀😀

[@helensharwood8625]

I get tremendous root growth but not spikes for flowers

[@helensharwood8625]

I feed with banana water. Please help

[@helloplantlovers]

Ah….probably either not enough light or a suitable change in temperature in autumn. Good luck!

[@masondanshortyfaddoul2596]

Don't cut .ive had a green spike for over 6 months and it still green

[@helloplantlovers]

Thanks!