Question
I have a small orchid plant, not sure what kind, the blossoms are small, white, with a yellow center (I bought it at a grocery store). I've had the plant for about 8 weeks now, and the blooms are starting to die.  One person told me, now that the plant is losing it's blooms, I should cut down the stem about 2 inches from the root.  Someone else told me to just leave it alone.
You're the tie breaker, what do I do?
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Rita,

Oh my, I'm the tie breaker!  I don't know if I am able to withstand the pressure.  (grin)  

Without knowing what kind of orchid plant you have, it would be difficult to say it is better to leave it or cut the flower stem off.  With that said and from your description of the flowers, my guess would be to cut it off.  While there are some orchids that are capable of producing additional new blooms off the original stem, most only do so once a year.  

If you just want to see what will happen, leave it on and wait to see what happens.  If the stem starts to turn brown from the top and continues downward, cut it off as it is telling you that it is not going to produce any more blooms.  

You have a pretty famous name there, Rita Moreno.  I remember seeing movies with the actress Rita Moreno back in the 1960's and on TV occasionally over the years.  She was and still is a very beautiful lady.  

Hope the above helps.  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to help with them.  Good luck and good growing.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.