Question
Hi there
My white moth orchid is looking pretty sick, the flowers and the top half of
the stem have dried up and gone brown. One of the leaves looks pretty dead
too, but it does still have 2 green leaves. I had it in my cold flat that got
below 0 degrees pretty much every night for a few weeks. I now have it in a
warm centrally-heated place, but it hasn't really revived. The top half of the
stem is brown, should I cut this off and hope? Or just leave it be?
Thanks
Emma

Answer
Hello Emma,

Although the flowers are gone and the stem has dried and turned brown, the question I have is what is the condition of the leaves.  Flowers and stems only stay alive for a short time (several months) but as long as the leaves are fine the phalaenopsis orchid is capable of producing new stems and flowers in the coming years.  You also did not mention how many leaves it has but if it has fewer than four healthy leaves, I would suggest cutting the entire stem off.  If it has four or more leaves you can try cutting the stem just below where the lowest flower had been and hope a secondary or branch stem will grow and bloom.  

But, if the leaves have turned dark green or black after being exposed to the cold temperatures, I'm afraid the phal. is dead.  Phalaenopsis orchids do not like temperatures much below 55F and definitely anything below 45F.  I hope the leaves are okay but fear the worst.  

If the leaves are still green, write back and I'll offer some suggestions to help keep it growing. It also helps to know where you live so I can give you some hints base upon your general climate.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.