The foliage of phalaenopsis orchids does not require pruning, although brown or dry leaves should be removed from the central stem to keep the plant neat. If all flowers on a spike have dropped, you can remove the old spike with no harm to the new spike. Plant in well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not water more than once a week, or the spike may rot.
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Where do you cut Phalaenopsis orchids after they bloom?
You can either leave the flower spike intact, cut it back to a nodes, or remove it completely. The flower spike should be removed from the plant’s base. If the existing stem starts to turn yellow, this is the route to take. You will need a sharp knife, a pair of pliers, and some tweezers.
If you don’t have any of these items, you can also use a razor blade to cut the stems back. Be careful not to damage the leaves or flowers, as you will have to reattach them later. Once you’ve cut off the entire stem, it’s time to attach it to the rest of your orchids.
To do this, take a small piece of twine and tie it into a knot. Pull the knot tight, then tie the other end around your plant’s stem. Repeat this process for the remaining stems. When you’re done you should have a plant that looks like the one in the picture below.
Do you trim orchid stems?
If your orchid is young, you want to encourage it to grow bigger roots and blooms. The best way to cut orchid plants when they are young is to trim the stalk all the way back to 1 inch (2.5 cm.) from the base of the plant.
It will be able to produce more flowers when it grows back. Cutting orchids at this stage is not recommended, as it can damage the roots. Instead, cut the plants back as much as you can and let them grow for a few more years.
Why do my orchids have so many air roots?
When an orchid has a lot of aerial roots, it means that the orchid needs to be repot. This can be a sign that the roots are not very healthy and the orchid doesn’t get enough nutrition through them. This grows aerial roots to get the necessary nutrition from the soil.
Where do you cut an orchid stem for regrowth?
Find a node under the lowest flower bloom. It’s best to trim 1 inch above that node. If you have a healthy plant, you should not need to do any trimming or pruning. If your plant looks like it’s on the verge of dying, it may be time to cut it back.
How do I grow a new spike in my orchid?
To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. It’s possible to place your orchid in a window away from the heating source.
The best time to get new flower spikes is during the winter when our homes and air conditioners are not as warm. If you don’t have access to a greenhouse, you can still grow orchids indoors.
How many times a year do Phalaenopsis bloom?
The best thing about phalaenopsis orchids is that they can bloom once or twice a year, with flowers that last up to 120 days. Don’t be sad when the flowers fall off your orchid, it’s a natural part of the process.
