Save The Climate With Gardening!

Download the FREE gardening4climate guide and start making a difference

    Powered By ConvertKit

    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

    Comments for Indoor Orchid Care

    Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

    Click here to add your own comments

    Jun 29, 2011
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar     		More orchid care tips!
    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

    Click here to add your own comments

    Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Gardening Problems FAQs.

    Want to learn how to grow your own food from seed?

    Grab the cheat sheet and learn how to avoid the 7 most common seed starting mistakes!

      We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Powered By ConvertKit

      Back to top


      Recent Articles

      1. Sprouting Potatoes: What Are The Benefits?

        Chitting or sprouting potatoes indoors so they have small shoots before they get planted out. But...why should you do this?

      2. The American Redbud Tree - Cercis Canadensis

        The American Redbud Tree is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees. The Forest Pansy Redbud and the Lavender Twist Weeping Redbud tree are a must have even in small gardens.

      3. How To Grow African Violet Plants

        The cheerful African Violet Plants can't be missing in your indoor house plant collection. Learn all about successful African Violet care and propagation.