Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular orchid varieties in
the world. One of their fascinating traits is that healthy Phal
plants can rebloom. While some Epidendrum and Oncidium varieties
can bloom again from broken flower spikes (the stems that holds
the flowers,) this process is most reliable with Phals. Their
flowers last for weeks or even months, and then start to fade.
To force the plant to produce more blooms, find the nodes, which
are the swollen “bumps” that mark each segment on the spike.
Pick a node below where the original flower had attached. Cut
off the flower spike just above this node. Always use a clean,
sharp scissors to prevent spreading plant diseases. Clean the
blades with hot water and soap, rubbing alcohol, or bleach
solution. Cut 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the node. Another spike may
emerge beneath the cut. Its flowers will be smaller and shorter-
lived than the first set. Although this method may add a month
to your blooming season, it really drains energy from the plant.
In the wild,