Phalaenopsis Spike Split Below Bud: Physical Damage or Pest?

6-Inch Spike, Slit/Thinning Below Terminal Bud

First-time bloomer or mature plant? Slit along spike for inch below bud → spike thinning above split.

Likely Causes

1. Physical damage: Spike bent too far → split → sap flow cut off above injury.
2. Snail/slug: In mix, rasped tender emerging spike.
3. First-bloom energy deficit: Small plant can't support spike.

What Happens

• Bud likely lost.
• Spike may branch below damage → new buds.
• Don't cut yet—watch for branching.

Root Check

If not repotted in past year → degraded mix → root rot → weak plant. Repot after this cycle.

Hope for a branch; learn to stake earlier next time.