Question
Hello Jim,

I have a kaledisope Phalaenopsis which had about 10 flowers when I bought it from Home Depot.  All the flowers have since dropped off.  How long before it will rebloom?  Do I have to do anything special at this time?

Thank you.

Thanks.

Linda

Answer
Hello Linda,

Phalaenopsis normally produce blooms once a year, usually sometime in mid winter through spring.  After the flowers are gone, wait a few months to see what happens to the bare stem.  If the tip stays green, leave it alone as it may produce blooms next year when it begins to grow again.  If the tip begins to turn brown, remove the stem by cutting it off near the bottom, close to the leaf.  

Until it is ready to bloom again, keep it happy by taking care of it.  Keep it in bright shade where temperatures are between 60F to 85F and humidity is above 50% along with some light air movement.  Water it when the potting media becomes barely moist.  Feed it lightly once in a while with a balance type orchid fertilizer.  That's about it.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.