Where do I cut the flower spike when it is finished blooming?
When most orchids finish blooming the spike should be cut down to the bottom of the base. Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) are the exception. They will re-bloom from an old spike. The spike will have several nodes (swollen areas) on it. When the orchid has finished flowering cut it down to just above the second node. A new spike will form and flower within 8 – 12 weeks. It is important to cut the spike all the way down to the base by midsummer to allow the plants to rejuvenate and grow for the next flowering season. Phalaenopsis leaves will start to flop and look tired if the plant has been flowering for a long time. If this happens, cut back the flowering spike to the base – even if the plant if still flowering. How often do I have to repot my orchid? Repotting your orchid is a way of cleaning house. You are cleaning out residue fertilizer salts and dead roots. Eventually, the potting medium starts to break down, the bark chips will start to disintegrate and the structure that used to s
