Hi there,

Recently, a very pretty big-lipped Phalaenopsis that I got a year ago started putting out a flower spike. The other day, after the cleaner came, I noticed the tip of the spike was looking a bit blunt and as if the tip had broken off. (I can't remember exactly how it looked before, but I'm pretty sure it was different.) I think it's been damaged in some way and I wondered if, based on the photos I've supplied, you could gauge the likelihood of it still flowering? Sorry, I realise this might be a tricky one to answer, but I'm pretty gutted this happened after all the TLC I've given the plant! I wonder too, if it starts to look like the spike isn't going to grow buds, if I should treat the spike as if it's already flowered and cut it above the highest node in the hope this will trigger re-flowering?

Many thanks in advance for your advice

I would not cut it at all. It has been injured once, why injure it again? Yes it does look damaged and the very tip has been broken off.
It could be mechanical, it could be pet damaged? or insect damage, hard to say.
But you could trim it halfway between the missing tip and first node. Treat cut with cinnamon powder. It protects the cut from fungal and bacterial damage.
Either way, it could very well grow a new section of inflorescence with buds. Probably fewer then undamaged but that is better then no flowers.
It should swell and make new buds rather quickly. But if at anytime, the tip starts to yellow or look soft, you can always cut it then.

Thanks Bill, that's helpful. I'll leave it as it is and fingers crossed it develops some buds. No pets in the house - basically certain it's mechanical damage.

Oh you are most welcome Jo! Here is wishing you an abundance of "Beautiful Blooms"!!!!

Some positive news! My Phal with the broken flower spike is putting out two new spikes - one from the node where the break happened and one from the node immediately below it. They're growing at a glacial pace in these chilly temperatures but they're there! Further evidence of orchids' resilience

Thanks again, Bill, for your advice back in December!