QuestionI'm new to orchids and I feel that I'm dangerously close to having my phalaenopsis rebloom (yippee!). It has put out growth on the stem I bought it with at the top and in two places lower down. it forms tiny little buds but I've noticed 2-3 of these yellow and fall off, at the top only. Also I have a 2nd stem growing, its still bright green and about a third as tall as the original. . What should I do? Is this stressing the plant? Should I cut the original stem? Thank you very much in advance!
AnswerI would cut the old flower spike off just above the second node (ie joint). Normally this should be done as soon as it finishes flowering. If the side branch originates at the second node, that is fine and can be retained. Any side branches above the second node will be removed when you cut off the old flower spike just above the second node. If you have a large plant (ie at least four leaves) it is fine to allow the new flower spike to grow as well as the old flower spike. If your plant has fewer than four leaves, I would totally remove the old flower spike.
It is generally recommended that phals be repotted in fresh, quality orchid potting mix after each flowering. A stale potting mix will eventually restrict air flow to the roots and stay too moist in the root zone. As long as your plant is healthy, I would let the current flower spikes finish flowering. Repotting becomes urgent when you have leaf yellowing or loss as that means root rot may be setting in.
