Question
Orchid
Hello I have an Orchid that I recently purchased and I am not sure what kind it is. it has a very tall single stem rising straight up and at the top are a few blooms that kinda criss cross. the pedals are white with lavender color tiger strips and has a red with yellow center. So anyway, I was wondering if it was possible to maybe branch it off into more than the single stem that it is now. I hope you understand my question. Thanks, Jeff
AnswerThanks for the picture Jeff. The picture is of a phalaenopsis orchid (commonly called the moth orchid). Hybrids of this type vary in their flowering habit. Some readily branch (called the multifloral type) and others rarely branch. It is possible that your flower spike will elongate and produce additional buds. If, after flowering, the flower spike remains green, you can cut it off just above a node (ie joint) in the flower spike and it may send off a branch at from that node. Not all types of hybrids are genetically endowed with the ability to retain a green flower spike after flowering, so, if it turns brown, this is the plant's habit and future flowering will come annually from new flower spikes.
Don't forget to repot your plant in fresh orchid potting mix and be sure your pot has lots of drainage holes in the bottom. Even while in flower, the plant will appreciate some light, especially the morning sunlight from an east window.
