Old flower spikes

[elgecko]

I have a Phalaenopsis Orchid and about a month ago it had finished flowering. I have a new spike starting to grow now.

What should be done with the old one? Do I trim it off at the base of the plant, or just let it there?

 

[Merlin]

If the old spike is dead (dried out, straw yellow), there's no reason to leave it on the plant - so you might as well cut it off at the base. Cut it short but don't worry about leaving a 1/2" or so. It won't hurt anything and it's more important not to damage the surrounding living tissue when you make the cut.

If it's still green, leave it be - it might re-bloom.

Merlin

 

[herenorthere]

I just leave old spikes and, when they're old and dry and I happen to be nearby with scissors in my hand, I cut them off. I leave an inch or two. There's no benefit in hurrying.

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

Is it true that if you leave 2 inches of old stem baby orchids will sprout from it?

 

[herenorthere]

Some Phals grow babies (keikis) without any encouragement. My Phal pulchra is one such species, but it seems to grow separate spikes for blooms and keikis. There's a special hormone paste called KeikiGro, or something like that, that can turn a Phal flower bud to a vegetative bud. I've never used it, but it's a relatively low-tech way to replicate a prized Phal.