Second flower spike - is this a problem?

[YvonneD]

First I complain that I only see two flower spikes on phals from a nursery and now I have a plant growing a second spike and I'm worried. Just can't satisfy some people!

I have a white phal. This is my most important orchid because it's the last one my husband bought for me before he died. Usually this plant has flowers for about 7 - 8 months. After I cut down the old spike it starts to grow a new one within a month. It's the most active phal that I have.

I noticed that the lower leaves were starting to look somewhat yellow. One was bad enough to be cut off. It has 7 leaves right now. The 2 lower leaves are turning yellow and the 3rd is starting to feel slightly wrinkled. The others look good.

The plant has a spike now with 8 beautiful blooms. When I was watering it today I noticed that a second spike was starting. Is this why the leaves are going? Should I cut off the second spike or is it OK to let it grow?

I can't believe I'm thinking of cutting off a flower spike but I really don't want to lose this plant.

I've been successfully growing phals for about 8 years now and I'm very careful not to over water.

What should I do?

thanks

[Ray B]

My opinion is that if a plant has the energy to put out flower spikes, let it. It is "forcing" additional branching and blooming by cutting old spikes that drains their energy.

The leaf loss could be perfectly normal, but I'd also be concerned about the condition of the medium and its effect on the roots.

Ray Barkalow - First Rays LLC -

Orchid Plants, Supplies, Equipment, Books Artwork, Free Services & Lots of Info!

-----Original Message----- From: YvonneD [mailto: [e-mail]] Posted At: Sunday, April 11, 2010 7:57 AM Posted To: rec.gardens.orchids Conversation: Second flower spike - is this a problem? Subject: Second flower spike - is this a problem?

First I complain that I only see two flower spikes on phals from a nursery and now I have a plant growing a second spike and I'm worried. Just can't satisfy some people!

I have a white phal. This is my most important orchid because it's the last one my husband bought for me before he died. Usually this plant has flowers for about 7 - 8 months. After I cut down the old spike it starts to grow a new one within a month. It's the most active phal that I have.

I noticed that the lower leaves were starting to look somewhat yellow. One was bad enough to be cut off. It has 7 leaves right now. The 2 lower leaves are turning yellow and the 3rd is starting to feel slightly wrinkled. The others look good.

The plant has a spike now with 8 beautiful blooms. When I was watering it today I noticed that a second spike was starting. Is this why the leaves are going? Should I cut off the second spike or is it OK to let it grow?

I can't believe I'm thinking of cutting off a flower spike but I really don't want to lose this plant.

I've been successfully growing phals for about 8 years now and I'm very careful not to over water.

What should I do?

thanks