Where should I cut my phalaenopsis?

[melodyjordan1@comcast.net]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum and have lots of questions. First my daugher gave me an phalaenopsis for Valentine's day and it has been beautiful ever since. But now the flowers have fallen off and I read that you are supposed to cut it where it forks however mine is only one stem, it doesnt split anywhere. Where should I cut? I dont want to do anything to harm it.

[mayres]

If the stem is brown cut it at the base where it emerges from the plant. If it is still green there is a chance it may sprout another side spike out where there is a node on the stem. People commonly cut them just above the last node prior to the first flower location. It may or may not sprout another - some types are more prone to this than others. Another factor will be how "happy" it is currently (light, water, fertilizer, etc.). Some people commonly just cut the entire spike off after blooming regardless, so that the plant can concentrate on building up its energy for the next blooming cycle and a new spike. Some people don't cut the spikes off until they turn brown - and it may bloom several more times - usually successive blooms of the same spike are usually less and smaller flowers. The choice of whether to try for more flowers (which you may or may not get) is up to you. mike