Question
Hello Jim.

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

I have 2 quick questions.

1) Is it ok that I'm only watering my indoor Phanalaenopsis once ever 3 weeks? I've read that if the leaves are "dark green" then I'm over watering it?

2) I cut the stem when all the flowers fell off a few months ago and my plant has started to grow again. But it's strange. It's almost as if it's growing more leaves and not a stem for flowers. Is this normal? What's happening exactly?

Here's some pictures that might help.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SABMGGETCpGK8bCyb7hw4HRFx6khnupGzafKcuemCuMOSqNt8...

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SAApD2AT0ZCK8bCyb7hw4BrUEl9FTuSSVhu84zjEsnGJ58kqX...

If you cannot see the pictures, please email me and I'll try and send them to you.

Many thanks for your time and assistance!!!

Sincerely,

Karen

Answer
Hello Karen,

Glad to hear you found my advice helpful, hopefully I'll be of help this time also.  

1) Yes, it is okay to water only every 3 weeks or so.  The primary concern with watering in winter is watering too often.  Let the potting mix tell you when it is time to water next, lift the pot and if it feels somewhat light it is time to water the next morning.  Leaf color will tell you how much sunlight it is receiving, not the amount of water.  Dark green indicates lots of shade, medium green indicates a bit more sunlight while light green indicates lots of sunlight.  Some phalaenopsis will show a reddish color along the leaf edge when receiving slightly more sunlight than it prefers but it usually is not fatal unless the redness spreads across the leaf.

2) Cutting the flowering stem was a good idea, this will allow the phal. to recover from flowering.  The photos really helped!!!  Thank you!  What is happening is a keiki or baby is growing on the cut stem.  You are going to be a Mommy!!!  (grin)  Allow the keiki to stay on the stem until there are several roots over 2 inches long.  Have a small pot along with potting material handy then remove the keiki and put it in the pot.  It should come off by gently twisting it side-to-side while also pulling it.  If it does not come off after a dozen tries, use a sharp cutter to sever the connection.  

Hope this answered your questions.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.