Newbie Orchid Fell

[susannahpryce]

My orchid fell.2 stemsRbroken all the way down2the main stem.The other2R about an inch long.Should I cut the small stems that lead to the bigger one? Should I cut the main stem? One of the small stems that held the flower is yellow now&the other is green. Im worried that if I leave it, it may lead the big stem to yellow and die.

[Ellen]

What kind of orchid is it? What broke? Flower stalks? Pseudobulbs? Leaves? How about a photo of the damage?

As you'll find out, orchids are falling down and/or getting knocked down all the time. Usually the damage is not serious, but it can be pretty traumatic (for us, not the plant) if it's a flower spike that breaks. Depending on what type of orchid it is, the spike may branch and flower anyway.

[susannahpryce]

I don't know what kind it is. Yes, the flower spikes broke. The leaves are ok. The main stalk is ok. I don't have a camera phone to show the damage. So, don't cut anything, just leave it right?

[chefatplay]

I'm so sorry to hear about that. With some orchids, you may get a regrowth of the stalk. Some Phals will do this. If you don't cut the stalk all the way to the plant, it might do it. If you still have the opportunity, cut the broken stalk to about two nodes above the plant. There is your best chance. Please note, some geeks would prefer to cut the stalk all the way back and let the plant spend it's energy on growing instead of regrowing flowers especially if this is a new and/or small plant. Good luck!

[susannahpryce]

When you say stalk I'm guessing you mean the main part which grows up from the pot? From the stalk there is a branch.From that branch there are tiny yellow pieces left. These are broken and were holding the flowers. The Orchid is 3feet tall. I don't think its a small plant. I will cut the stalk2nodes above the plant. I'm guessing the plant is the part with the leaves in the pot.Nodes are like joints right?2joints up from the pot. I think I got it. Thank you so much for your help !

[susannahpryce]

Oh my god! Cutting it was painful! I don't feel like that when I cut the stems off roses. I made an audible gasp and surprised myself (Im at work).Poor baby :-(.How long will it take to grow back and re-flower...6months?