Question
Hi Jim,
I bought my orchid (I believe its the Phal), December 2007.  A few weeks later the blossoms fell off.  I did not cut the branches because I don't know anything about orchids.  My orchid is a healthy plant with four mature leaves and a fifth one now growing.  I've recently started using an orchid fertilizer for it.  I wanted to know about trimming the branches.  I've noticed you stated in response to another question that the branch can be trimmed to right below the last blossom or then as far down as safe for the plant.  Here are my questions:
1) which method of trimming is better for my orchid?
2) if I were to trim right below the last blossom, does the branch grow from that point to form new blossoms?  
3) If I trim as far down as possible without hurting the plant, does the new branch grow from that same spot or will it grow a completely different branch?

Thanks for your help!


Answer
Hi Vandana,

As big as your phalaenopsis is (4 mature leafs with a small fifth leaf starting), you probably can try number 2 if you wish.  I prefer number 3 for my phals but that's just my preference.  Of course, this is assuming that the spike (branch) is still alive and well.  By the way, if the tip of the spike is still green and alive, I wouldn't do anything and leave it alone as some phals will restart to grow and produce new flowers on the old spike.  

2) Cut off the top part of the spike by following below where the bottom flower had been until you see a bump (looks like a tiny leaf or cover over the spike).  Go back up an inch or two then cut the top part off.  If all goes well, in a month or so you will see a new secondary spike emerge from under the tiny leaf.  It will take another 2 to 4 months for it to be in bloom.  

If you do number 3, any new spike will emerge between leafs that are above where the current spike is.  

Hope this helped.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.