Question
Hi,

My fianc?died a little over 4 weeks ago, and the day he died he had sent me dendrobium orchids.  There are still several of them that are still alive (they're cut sprays of orchids), but I'd like to make them last as long as possible.  Is it possible to replant cut sprays of orchids?  If so, how do I do it?  Otherwise, how can I make these last as long as possible?  I've just been keeping them in warm water.

thank you very much,
Leigh

Answer
Hello Leigh,

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your fiance.  

I wish I could say that you could plant those cut sprays and get them to grow but I can't.  Orchids rarely, if ever, will grow another plant from a flower spray and never on a spray that has been cut from the mother plant.  But what you can do to prolong the life of the flowers is to keep them in a vase of fresh water (replace every 2 days) with an ounce of 7-up soda or a teaspoon of sugar added to the water.  Since you have had the sprays for about 4 weeks already, the flowers may last another week or two - sorry.  

With all that said and done, if your fiance liked orchids you could try growing a few yourself in remembrance.  You didn't mention where you live so it would be difficult to recommend an orchid plant that would do well for you.  Like you and I, orchids have certain preferences in where and how they live, if they are not happy they tend to slowly die.  

If you would like to hear of some suggestions, write back telling me where you live, whether you have an outdoor growing area or window exposure to the sun, etc.  With this information I might be able to make some suggestions on orchids that should grow well for you and won't take a lot of time or effort to keep them happy.  

Again, my condolences on your loss.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.