where to cut Phalaenopsis

[Marie]

Hello,

I have a Phalaenopsis who has now losts all its flowers. I have not yet deared to do anything about it though, in frear of handling it the wrong way...The plant has one main stem, which separates in two (about 20cm each). So the question is: where should I cut? One cut on the main stem or one cut on each "separation"?


I'd be grateful for some feedback regarding this issue!


Kind regards,
Marie

[janet_a]

personally i don't cut anything until it shrivels up and turns brown. if you cut the spike, you might get it to branch again, which would be pretty, but might stress the plant.

or it may just branch on its own. if you *really* want to cut it, i'd say cut just below the fork. run your fingers down the stems--if any of the growth nodes feel bumpy, then the plant may be getting ready to branch there, so you'd want to cut *above* that.

can we see a picture?

[orchidaddict789]

if you cut the spike, you might get it to branch again, which would be pretty, but might stress the plant.

In my opinion, it's better to cut it off and let the plant save up more strength for a future spike. A side branch often yields smaller sized flowers and yes, is stressing.

[Sallyd]

I cut mine all the way off. My experience is that if it does branch again I only get one or two flowers that are smaller.

[Marie]

Thanks for your comments. I uploaded a photo of my poor plant...all I want to see is flowers on it again

[jerrymeola]

Janet and OrchidAddict gave you the two sides to this issue and explained it well.

You can get additional flowers or keikis (baby plants) growing out of the old stem if you leave it on, and you will give the plant more time to strengthen and grow larger by cutting it off. The decision is a personal one for you, both are correct for the reasons they gave.

Usually the plant will not bear as many flowers on a new branch. However some types that branch naturally can be very impressive



This Doritis Phalaenopsis hybrid has been in flower or bud non-stop since Feburary last year, already 12 months. It has 5 large flowers now and a new branch producing buds while the flowers are still on the plant. The downside to this is that this plant is looking weaker and weaker and it is possible to flower the plant to death. It takes a great deal of strength out of the plant to produce flowers and while producing flowers it can not use as much energy to grow roots of new leaves.

I have not decided whether to see how long this plant can go (the species is know to go 18 months or more) or give it a chance to recover and grow by cutting the flower off. As I said before it is a personal decision.

[nerrym]

Hi Marie:

I usually don't cut off any spikes, even after flowering. I leave them alone and if they want to rebloom, that's fine with me, but if the stem dies off, then I simply cut it off. I let the plant decide. However, if the plant's been blooming for a long time like Jerry's, then I may have to cut off the spike to save my plant. Goodluck, Nerry

[vstancanelli1]

I cut off the branch after it was done blooming. It has been over a year and the plant still has not grown another flower. How do I get it to rebloom???

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

The season for growing new spikes will be winter, with the change in the length of the day and the lowering of temps triggering the bloom spikes. Your plant may have been forced to bloom out of season, and is getting reorientated. Just be patient. If you don't see any by winter, check that you are not keeping the light on till the same time every night, or keeping the plant in a very warm room. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[jedrad]

My first orchid plant has just lost it's last bloom after blooming for over 3 months. Now what do I do with it???? Any help would be appreciated.

Joyce

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

If you have read the previous posts, you know what to do with the old spike. If you haven't rotted the roots off in 3 months, then continue with the same treatment. Cynthia