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Is this another flower spike on my Phal.?

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by fernbrook, May 19, 2014.

  1. May 19, 2014 #1
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    This phal. is a bit stressed and is recovering from some root rot, could this end up being another keiki or is it a flower spike off a flower spike? Thanks
    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1400492991.969676.jpg
     
  2. May 19, 2014 #2
    annabanana1987

    annabanana1987 Active Member

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    Looks like it's branching out ! Second flower ♡
     
  3. May 19, 2014 #3
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Hi, fernbrook. It certainly appears to be a new flower spike forming. If the plant is stressed from root problems you might be better off removing the entire old spike so the plant can recover.

    What part of the world are you in?
     
  4. May 19, 2014 #4
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    Hi KellyW, I am in Queensland (I accidentally had 2 logins and was previously Cindy) so sub tropical. Since friends and loved ones know of my new found passion for orchids I keep getting given them and then I see a poorly one in the supermarket and rescue it so my Phal. collection is increasing but they always come in moss which I just can't seem to be able to manage plus I like to 'love' them so I put them in bark but some of them, like this one had considerable damage so it takes a while for them to recover. I know what you are saying is correct but will be hard to do.....the excitement of flowers is pretty hard to refuse!
     
  5. May 19, 2014 #5
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Oh, hi Cindy. I understand how hard it is to cut off spikes. Flowers vs plant health. :eek:
    Anyway, good luck with it.
     
  6. May 20, 2014 #6
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    Thanks KellyW, here is a close up of its roots and I think I might leave the stalk for now as there are new roots growing as well! Big decisions :) ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1400567166.883858.jpg
    PS that is cinnamon that you can see, I cut off some dead bits!
     
  7. May 27, 2014 #7
    Mammatam

    Mammatam Member

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    Why cinnamon? If you don't mind me asking.
     
  8. May 27, 2014 #8
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Cinnamon helps prevent disease.
     
  9. May 27, 2014 #9
    Mammatam

    Mammatam Member

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    Cool!
     
  10. May 27, 2014 #10
    Carkin

    Carkin Active Member

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    Cinnamon works great to seal a cut and help prevent infection. But it looks like a bit too much sprinkled on the roots. It will draw the moisture out and desiccate a healthy root. You only want it in the part that is cut.
    Otherwise your orchid is looking good, especially with those new roots coming put!
     
    Mammatam likes this.
  11. May 27, 2014 #11
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    Yes, I will try not to be so heavy handed next time, thanks
     
  12. May 27, 2014 #12
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    Update: the flower spike is powering on BUT lesson learned (I think) there appears to be as many people that say to cut a flower spike off completely following flowering then there are those that say to cut to the node below etc., I am now leaning towards cutting it off completely as this spike off an older spike is not the most attractive of looks if you ask me. I have another where I have cut it off completely and the new spike is growing, it has taken a little while longer and am still a little way from flowering but it will look far more 'presentable'.

    Any comments very welcome!
     
  13. May 27, 2014 #13
    Carkin

    Carkin Active Member

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    Can you show us a picture of the whole plant? Does it have many good roots left?
     
  14. May 28, 2014 #14
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    It has a couple of new healthy ones, here are a couple of shots.
    ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1401270228.603060.jpg ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1401270294.410483.jpg
     
  15. May 28, 2014 #15
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Some people only see the individual flowers and the overall presentation doesn't matter to them. It sounds as if you aren't one of them. If you cut the spike the plant can restore its strength and in the end will probably give you a better flowering with a more aesthetic presentation.
     
  16. May 28, 2014 #16
    Carkin

    Carkin Active Member

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    Thank you for the picture :) I agree with Marni. It looks pretty healthy but it's more of a personal preference whether to cut the spike or not.
     
  17. May 28, 2014 #17
    fernbrook

    fernbrook Member

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    Thanks, I will definitely leave it be as it does seem happy enough and it is all teaching me but yes I think I am one of those that is into aesthetics (and I am not sure if that is a good thing :( ) it is interesting to have two plants treated differently to compare the outcomes! Thanks
     
    Carkin likes this.