Question
Hi, I was given an orchid for my birthday which bloomed beautifully. However the instructions said that once it had bloomed to cut the stem down to 10cm to encourage new flowers. I took the 'stem' to be the twiggy main part of the plant, and cut the whole thing down to 10cm. I now realise from reading more about orchids that i should just have cut the part where it flowers from. Stupid i know! But the instructions were rather misleading. I've repotted it in orchid compost and fed it with orchid food. Will it grow back again or have i killed it? Roots looked healthy and green and there's lots of leaves still.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Jenny

Answer
Jenny, no harm done in cutting off the flower spike.  The only reason some recommend cutting the flower spike just above a node (ie joint) is that some types may send out a branch at that node which may rebloom.  On the flip side, a plant that reblooms too often, expends energy that could be used in new growth.  Also, some flower spikes naturally die back after blooming and will not rebloom.  By repotting you plant, you will provide a healthy environment for new root and leaf growth.  Do not feed it until new leaves are developing.  Water it once weekly with room temperature water (preferably in the morning)  and, when you start feeding it, use 1/4 tsp of plant food per gallon of water.  If healthy, the plant should send up a new flower spike next spring.