Help wanted with Phalaenopsis please

[Maggo]

We have a Phalaenopsis which we were given in May 2005 in a pot, in flower with two stalks of flowers. The flowers lasted for ages and when the flowers had finished I cut the flowering stems down to the bottom bud (non flowering bud, jus above compost level). Last year it flowered again very well but with only one flowering stalk. Someone else has said to be subsequently that I should only cut the flowering stalk to the top non flowering bud ie leaving the stalk 8 or 9 inches long. Does anyone know which is correct please?

Despite the plant having 6 to 8 very healthy long green leaves, this winter, there are a dozen or so what look like air roots anything from 4 to 10 inches long coming out of the crown of the plant. Do I just cut these off, or is this a sign that it needs re-potting? If the latter, when I report do I push all these air roots (those that don't break) into the new pot or do I cut them off.

Thank you in advance.

Maggo

[Fabolusus]

If you leave the flower spike on after flowering, it can bloom again from the same stalk. Air roots are normal, and should not be cut off. If you are using a bark mixture, then you should repot every 2-3 years, once the bark starts to break down. The correct time to repot is shortly after flowering, when you see new growth forming. You can push the air roots into the pot. Matt

[Tommy]

I don't think i would cut them off. had the same thing happen to me .and i learned from this fourm, to repot in to a larger pot about and inch or so try not to break the roots. ease them in to the new pot i watered mine well and waited for a while. later it was easier to get out of the pot. and now it is spiking with several new spikes. looking forward to all the new blooms. Tommy

[Maggo]

Thank you both for taking the time to post replies. They are much appreciated and are very helpful.

best regards

Maggo

Soaking the air roots for a half hour or more in warm water will make them pliable and they will bend rather than break when you repot.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Don't forget that the nursery probably had a better evironment than you have, so you may not get quite the same results they did. If your plant bloomed for a very long time, it may be just as well that you cut the spike off giving the plant a chance to rest. Cutting off the tip of the spike after blooming encourages reblooming if you cut just below the first flower position (just above the last node). Cutting much shorter encourages keiki (baby plant) formation.

[jerrymeola]

If you leave the stem long to re-flower the flowers are usually smaller and less in number. You did best by cutting it as you did.

Commercial Phals are grown in higher light then most hobbyists can maintain and with more even watering and fertilizer. It is not uncommon to fail to re-flower the first year. It will continue to get better for you now.

[Maggo]

Thank you to all for your helpful responses and encouragement. Our orchid lives in the kitchen on a north facing window ledge though the AGA in the kitchen keeps it at a constant temperature in the winter. It seems to enjoy the location and the six leaves are now enormous.. so hopefully the flowers will be good if it flowers this year. I have now repotted it and am very grateful for all your help.

kind regards

Maggo