Question
Hello! I have a Phalaenopsis and a Dendrobium Orchid, both have been growing new leaves since their flowers withered; the pha since May last year and the Den since 09. I'm afraid I did something wrong pruning the flower spikes, specially with the dendrobium. Can you tell me what to do after the flowers die on each type of plant? The dendrobium has 3 stalks with leaves, only one bloomed, something can be done to encourage blooming in the others? Thank you in advance for your help

Answer
Gabriela, pruning the flowers on the dendrobium is not the reason for reduced flowering.  Most dendrobiums require a rest period after flowering and watering should be suspended during the rest period.  If you continued to water it during rest, the plant will likely put on new vegetative growth rather than flowering.  This, however, is only one explanation. Many dendrobiums will not reflower on an old cane that has previously flowered.  This explanation is plausible if the one cane that flowered is the newest one to mature.  If you know  the name of the plant, we might be able to see the ancestry and the species involved in making the cross.

The phalaenopsis should be repotted in orchid potting mix after each flowering.  This prevents root rot and results in a more robust plant for future flowering.  If the repotting was not done, it is possible that there is root damage from a deteriorated potting mix.  In this case, obtain a hobby bag of fir bark based orchid potting mix and soak a small portion of it prior to repotting with it. Be sure your pot has lots of drainage holes.  After removing the plant from the old potting mix and remove any rotted roots (ie they are mushy) and repot using the fresh, wet potting mix.  Another factor limiting phalaenopsis flowering is light.  Flowering is best when the lightt is bright enough to produce light green leaves.  Dark green leaves are a sign that the plant may have had insufficieent light to bloom properly.