Indoor Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis orchid

Phalaenopsis orchid

I have an orchid plant that flowered for multiple weeks. Over time the flowers dropped off. The stalk looked like it was going to grow other buds, but the stalk died from the far end to the part that was supported by a stick. The leaves are still green. What will happen to the plant? Will it flower again?


Hi,

I presume that you have a Phalaenopsis orchid (Moth orchid). The picture above is from one of my own orchids that is probably in a similar stage than yours. It has flowered for many weeks and now most of the blooms have fallen off. This wonderful plant has done this many times before.
Just let the flower stalk die back. It might not become brown all the way down to the base. Often they only die back to the next dormant bud. They look like a little bump on the stem. Sometimes (but not all the time!) these buds start growing and produce more flower buds so don't just remove the stem at the base. Only cut off what is brown.
If your plant has flowered for a long time it might go into a dormant phase for a few months. Reduce the watering and feeding intervals for the next couple of months or so. You will see new growth of foliage or roots when that period is over. Then it is time to water and feed your orchid plant more regularly again.
Once your plant starts growing again it will produce a new flower stem and you will be able to admire many more blooms for many weeks.
Follow the tips about indoor orchid care and Phalaenopsis orchid care and your orchid will reward you with many more flowers.

Send us a picture when it is in flower again!

Best Regards
Anja

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Jun 29, 2011
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by: Cable Thompson

Orchids are perennials, so with proper care it will bloom again. Usually they bloom about once a year. You can trim off the old flower stem after it turns brown. Most commonly-available orchids are marketed so widely because they do well in homes.
By indoor standards, orchids like fairly bright light. If you have a way to measure it, such as an SLR camera, most like 1000-3000 footcandles of light, such as an east or south window. If you choose to grow it outdoors for part of the year, you'll want it to get some shade or it will probably get sunburn.

For most types of orchids, you want to water as the plant's potting mix approaches dryness; just take it to a sink and run water through the pot until it pours out the drainage holes.

Best of luck with your orchid,
Cable Thompson

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