What to do once the flowers drop?

[alshablam]

I've heard that once the flowers drop, you are supposed to cut the stem. Is that true? What do I do now in order for my Phalaenopsis to re-bloom?

[janet_a]

well, you've got two choices. you can cut the stem back to just above the third (or so) node from the bottom (unless you have higher nodes that feel like they might branch; cut above them), and it may grow a branching spike, but it will likely have fewer, smaller flowers. or you can leave it alone and let the spike die back naturally, and next year you should get another spike that will likely have more flowers than this year's did.

or you can leave the spike alone and it may branch on its own; i had a couple do that this year for some reason.

me, i usually just leave them alone to do whatever they like; i don't try to get them to branch, so that they'll save up their energy for a good spike next year.