I cut my orchid stem down to the leaf- will it regrow?

Question

Someone told me that after flowering I should cut it all the way down and it would regrow, but it's been 5 months and nothing! what is the proper way to care for them after bloom? The orchid is potted in a bathroom windowsill. Thanks

Answer 1

It depends on what kind of orchid it is.  If it is a Phaleanopsis, you could have cut the flower stalk down to just above one of the nodes (swollen part ) on the stem. I have had them put out several  new flower stems doing this.  The thing is, it is not instantaneous.  With Dendrobiums, you should cut it down to the leaves.  Mine almost always start growing new shoots when I do this.  The important thing to remember is feeding regularly.  I use an orchid fertilizer at half strength once a week during active growing times.  Do not fertilize when in bloom.  Orchids are like many other flowering plants and need a rest time before they bloom again.

When you water, fill a pan with water (or fertilizer solution) set the whole pot  up to its rim in it and let the plant soak for about 15 minutes. Drain it thoroughly.  Do this whenever the potting mix is warm and dry to the touch.  Make sure the roots are not sitting in water all the time, as they will rot.

Hope this helps!

PS..I've had my orchids bloom up to three times per year!

Answer 2

Hi mattysmom,

Most orchid species only bloom once a year, but many orchid hybrids (which is the result of breeding two different orchids together) could bloom two to three times per year. It all depends on the type of orchid you have.

I suspect that what you have is a Phalaenopsis (moth orchid). This type of orchid has broad flat leaves. The leaves stay low close to the pot and the flower spike emerges by the base of the leaves. The flower spike is long and arcs gracefully. I am guessing this is what you have.

To ensure Phalaenopsis rebooms, you should keep it warm (70-86 °F during the day and 15°F cooler at night). The drop of temperature at night is VERY important to initiate flower spike. Many Phalaenopsis will absolutely not bloom without it. Phalaenopsis does not like to dry out, and like all orchids, like to be in humid environment (minimin 40% humidity). Since you are putting it in the bathroom windowsill, I suspect that the humidity is sufficient. Finally, make sure that it has enough light.  Even though Phalaenopsis has low light requirement, it still needs sufficient light to bloom. A east-, south-, or west- facing window is good. If your orchid does not have enough light, the leaves are very dark green. You want the leaves to be light green.

Please read about this Phalaenopsis page - http://www.everything-orchids.com/phalae... to learn about this orchid and read how to take care of orchids in general - http://www.everything-orchids.com/orchid... .

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Kennis

Answer 3

Orchids only flower once a year and that is it. So cutting it down will make no difference. In a different plant like a rose, it will re-bloom but not in orchids.