Hi I'm new ...

[clarasmummy]

Hi Everyone ...

I a new at this forum and would really appreciate some insight ....

A few months back I bought an orchid plant (Phalaenopsis). It is BEAUTIFUl!!!
I am now so in love with orchids!!!!

The flowers lasted for months and months but then started falling off one by one over a few weeks. Now I have the pot with healthy leave and just stems.

Should I cut the stems or just leave then for new flower to grow? When should I expect new flowers?

Here in the UK, Lidle are selling orchids next week, so I'll pop in, can't resist ...

I'm sure this is a basic question for all of you, but I am not experienced and would love some help, as it is such a beautiful, elegant flower!

Thanks

Muriel

[patticake]

Hi Muriel! Welcome! I would cut off the bloom stem. The plant will bloom again, after a little rest. There are plenty of folks here who know TONS about phaleanopsis. I'm sure they'll help you. Good luck!

[jay]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

First off, there are a lot of different opinions with what to do with a Phalaenopsis flower spike after the flowers are done. Some like to cut it off at the base to let the plant concentrate its energy on growing for the next season, and then some like to cut it just above the second node to try to encourage a second blooming.

As for other culture notes, start here. There are a lot of people here with an incredible amount of knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask questions.


Jay

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome to the forum Muriel. As stated by Jay, you have 2 options on what you
can do. I personally would opt for cutting the spike down to the base as Patti suggested.
Granted we'll have to wait until the next blooming season (about 1 year), but your new
blooms should be better with the extra rest. Either way, your decision.

P.S. You could buy another orchid that blooms in between your Phal. That way you
wouldn't have to wait for a whole year. This is how the addiction starts (LOL)

[mayres]

Welcome Muriel - please update your profile so that next time you post in a thread we will remember that you are from the UK. As you get more "addicted" you will find the leaves and roots are just about as enjoyable as the flowers! Good to have you here as a part of the international group!

[tizzycat]

Hi Muriel, I personally agree with Tobi and would cut the spike down to the base. Once your collection expands, you will find that there is always something interesting going on, whether it be new roots, new leaves, new spikes. As the addiction sets in you'll almost always have something that is either flowering or about to flower.

I saw some orchids in Lidl not very long ago and was amazed at the price (£4.99). They were very healthy looking, and although they are NOID an excellent way to increase your collection. At the setting out stage "Orchids is Orchids" although you do reach a stage when you start looking for the named ones. Having said that, I get just as much pleasure out of my NOID Orchids and still find myself unable to resist a bargain.