Help

[Scott]

I bought an orchid from Costco and the flowers are beginning to drop off. Do I just continue to water it to get it to re-bloom, or do I cut it back? I think it likes it's home in the window sil. It's had beautiful blooms on it for the last 3 months.
Please help

[mayres]

I'm assuming from the fact that you had it blooming for three months that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. After blooming you have two choices - cut the stem clear back to the base or between the first flower to open and the node on the stem (which will potentially encourage a sub-spike - that typically has fewer and slightly smaller flowers than the original). The advantage of cutting it clear back is that the energy of the plant theoretically will go into strengthening the plant itself and producing a better new spike. Phals typically will bloom once per year and this is the time of year that they are setting spikes for most of us. Commercial growers can vary the conditions and get them to bloom just about any time. The longer nights and temperature differential between day and night-time are reportedly what triggers the spiking mechanism. If you are not fertilizing you want to definately start with a good commercially available orchid fertilizer - many are available in the $3-5 range for the home grower - directions will be listed. Be careful not to overwater - this is typically the first rule of growing phals (IMHO). If it were my plant I would probably lift it from the pot and inspect all the roots (remove any mushy, dry shriveled and/or hard blackened), and repot, but chances are that will not be necessary if you have taken good care of yours. I just like to know exactly what I have from top to bottom and know that all results from here on out are either positive or negative due to my efforts alone.

[Scott]

Thank you for your help. The tag sticking out of the pot says
Den.Burana Glow. Is that the type of orcid it is?
And where on the plant exactly do you cut it?

[mayres]

Nope - I guessed incorrectly - seems to be a common phenomena with me. Looks like you have a dendrobium. When it is done blooming you can cut the flower spike(s) clear back to the base of where they come out of the plant. They like to be crowded in their pots in general - so probably no need to even think about repotting for some time. I would suggest you take a look at the culture sheets from the american orchid society on dendrobiums and then come back with any additional questions you might have. http://www.aos.org/aos/orchids/page01.aspx mike