Question
hi, I have a phalaenopsis w/ two stems. I cut both back about half way after the flowers died off a few months ago. Two weeks ago, one of the stems started to turn brown from the top down, so I cut it back to where it was green. Now the rest of the stem is brown, but the other stem is completely green. Is this normal, or is my orchid diseased? Should I do something different?

This is a very sentimental plant, I can't lose it!

Thanks, A

Answer
Hi Annie,

It is not unusual for a stem to continue to turn brown and die back, some just have a death wish.  (grin)  On the stem that is still green, can you see evidence of a secondary or branch stem starting to grow out of one of the nodes (bump along the stem)?  It usually takes from one to two months for a branch to show itself and another 2 to 4 months before the first flowers open.  

In the meantime, keep it happy and growing.  If you have other questions or would like more information about the above, write back and I'll try to help with them.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.