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The Spikes on my Orchid have died


Question
Hi,

This past summer my orchid was very successful in yielding a lot of flowers for the second year in a row. I have recently moved into a new place and it didn't take the change well and now the two spikes have turned brown and all I have are several very green leaves. I am afraid I have robbed this orchid of its ability to bloom in the summer. Is there a way I can encourage new spike growth?  

Answer
I assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid.  If not, my answer could be different.  These plants bloom annually and it is not uncommon for the bloom to last 2-4 weeks before dying.  Sometimes environmental stress (such as  a temporary exposure to heat or cold) can shorten the bloom time  As long as your plant has healthy leaves and roots, it should rebloom in the spring or early summer.  Since it is now out of bloom, I would use the occassion to repot the plant in fresh orchid potting mix and, in the process, check the roots to be sure they are healthy.  Any roots that are "mushy" should be removed before repotting. (Mushy roots are dead roots).  The most important aspect of growing orchids is to ensure that the roots are healthy as they produce new leaves and new flower spikes.  I would try to find a location in you new place which is similar to the one in which you had successful blooms.

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