multiple stems on moth orchid

[jyoung]

I have 4 phal orchids that the manager at kmart was thowing out . I have had them for 5-6 yrs. Last yr 2 finally bloomed. The largest I had never cut off the stem from last year. Now the old stem has split into 2 blooming stems and there is a third stem also. I have never heard of this and am very excited. They seem staggard so i should have blooms for months. How common is this? How can I make it happen again in the future?

[Ellen]

It's not uncommon for phals to branch from nodes below the last flower node on an old spike. It probably won't do this more than once, though. After these flowers finish you might want to cut off this spike so that it will form a new one next time. The flowers on new spikes tend to be larger and prettier than those on branches of old spikes.

[jerrymeola]

Each of the events is normal but not so common to have both happen a the same time. You are being rewarded for an unbelievably patient wait.