Question
Hi

I have accidentaly knocked the flower spike of my Phalaenopsis and it has snapped, but not all the way through.  I have made sure that the break is lined up and supported.  Is there anyway I can save the stem?  It has happend about 3 quaters of the way up.  It has not yet flowered.

Kind Regards

Aaron

Answer
Hi Aaron,

That is definitely an oops!  You might have said something else when it happened.  (grin)  

Once in a while, if the spike is not completely broken off, it is possible to support the spike and tape it and it will continue to produce flowers.  That is a big "if".  

In the event the spike is completely broken off, you might try placing it in a bud vase with water, the flowers might open.  Again, that is a big "might".  

Additionally, if the spike is broken, the remaining lower portion may produce a secondary spike from a latent growth node (looks like a bump along the spike).  It may take upwards of 2 months for it to appear, so be patient.  Again, this is assuming the spike does not start to die-back (tip turning brown and gradually going down the spike).  

I hope one of the above helps.  Good luck!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.