Question
Hi

My wife and I received a couple of phalaenopsis orchids as gifts when we moved into our new home in February.

The flowers on one of them lasted until about July. We watered it and eventually put it on the window sill in our kitchen, which is a cooler than the rest of our house and a little draughty. We were quite surprised when the same stem (we have no experience of whether to cut back the stem or not) started to re-bud. The phalaenopsis now has nine open flowers and two buds on the same stem.

My first question is - Is this unusual? From what I've been reading, phalaenopsis orchids grow new stems to flower on.

We've now moved the flowering orchid and moved the second orchid into its place in the hope that the kitchen window sill is a good location for the other orchid to flower.

Our cleaner has cut the stem of the second orchid. Was this the right thing to do?, and what can we do to encourage the second orchid to flower?

Thanks in advance

Nick


Answer
Nick, thanks for your questions.  It is not unusual for a phalaenopsis to reflower on the same flower spike.  This can be done when either the flower spike elongates and continues to flower on the elongated flower spike, or when a node (ie joint) along the flower spike develops a branch on which buds appear. Depending upon pedigree, a particular phalaenopsis plant may retain its flower apike after flowering or it may dry up and needs to be removed.  If a flower spike remains green, it may be induced to reflower if the flower spike is cut off just above a node-- then it may rebloom at the node.  If you have a strong plant, in addition to flowering on the old flower spike, it may send up a new flower spike (usually in spring) on which it will flower.  Remember, that the second plant may, or may not, be the type that retains its old flower spike.  If your cleaner cut it off above a node, it may reflower on the old spike.  If, however, it was cut all the way back, it likely will not reflower on the same spike.

Phalaenopsis like an east facing window where they can receive some sun.  Water once per week and you may feed a balanced fertilizer when you water.  Use about 1/4-1/2 tsp per gallon of water.

For long term growing, these plants need to be repotted in fresh orchid potting mix when flowering has concluded. I prefer a potting mix that has some fir bark pieces among its ingredients.  Most garden centers should have it.  Feel free to ask followup questions as the need arises.  Enjoy.