Question
hello jim
i have alot of confusion about my cymbidium { flower stalk } ???
i am getting ready to transplant and, clean-up these plants for the coming year.
all blooms have died_the stalks are now black and, i am afraid to cut them. some people say, leave them alone_some say cut them off. can you tell me exactly where to cut on the stalk or, if i should cut at all ?
thankyou_Tree

Answer
Hello Tree,

Go ahead and cut off the dead stalks (spikes).  Cut them off as low as you can without damaging the pseudobulbs.  

People become confused because there are some orchids that are capable of producing flowers over several years on the same spike but cyms are not one of them.  Basically, if the spike shows signs of dying (turning brown or black), cut it off but if it doesn't start to die back leave it alone.  

Have fun transplanting!  (grin)

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.