Question
Hi there, I recently purchased a phalaenopsis orchid. I was told that the current flowers would last a few months and then wilt and fall off, and when they did so that I should cut just under the first node. Well before the flowers even started to wilt, a new stem started to grow just under the original and started to grow blooms. Eventually the origninal flowers started to wilt, and I cut it off. I'm just wondering if that is normal for the new stem to grow before the old one is still in bloom. I was told it takes a few months before that happens.

Answer
It is not unusual for a phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom from a branching of the old flower spike. This can occur repeatedly over several years.  This is fine if you have a large healthy plant.  Over time you will know if this is a good thing for your plant.  If you have new leaves formimg while the plant is in flower, I wouldn't be concerned about it. Some plants, however, may put their energy into reblooming instead of growing a stronger, larger plant. I have had a plant that was alway in bloom and, eventually, it grew weaker and died.  If, after a few months, you find that your plant is not putting on new growth (ie new leaves), you may want to proceed to remove the flower spike with the cut you described.