Question
Hi  This is my first year of trying to deal with my orchids, the orchid i have is a white Phalaenopsis.  It currently has 25 flowers on the one stem and i am struggleing to keep it supported.  Please can you tell me how many flowers i can expect on this type as it just seems to keep going.

many thanks

Liz

Answer
Hi Liz,

With 25 flowers on your phalaenopsis orchid, you are doing a great job in growing it!  Most orchid growers use bamboo stakes (thin but long) to help support the flower stem.  Many garden centers carry these in bundles of 25 and in lengths from 2 feet to 4 feet (some places may not carry the longer ones).  Place a stake in the pot close to the stem and loosely tie it to the stake every 6 to 12 inches.  

I have seen some phalaenopsis with well over 30 flowers on a stem so yours is very close to that.  

Keep up the good work!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.