Question
Hello Wayne!
My moth orchid has two shoots with blooms that all fell off and not the end of the shoot is turning all brown.
I had cut off the end already a while back but now the end that was left is turning brown.
How far do i need to cut it down or do i cut it all the way down?
and at what time am i supposed to do this?
right after each blooming season?
Thank you so very much-
amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda.  You undoubtedly have the type of phalaenopsis on which the old flower spikes die back after flowering. You could try cutting it off above a node (joint) in the green part of the spike, but it may continue to turn brown.  If it continues to die back, just cut it off where it originates on the plant.  In the latter case, next year's flowers will originate at the base of the plant.  Just a reminder to repot your plant after each flowering in orchid potting mix using a pot that drains well.