Question
Hi there- I have an orchid which was given to me by a friend in December. it was from a supermarket and there was no indication as to what species it is. Its planted in a 6 inch pot in orchid potting bark, has a number of air roots and large (7 inch by 4 inch) waxy leaves. It flowered for 2 months and but since the last flower has died off a few leaves have yellowed and fallen off too. Also, some of the air roots have shriveled and died back. The remaining 3 leaves seem ok. The stalk where the flowers were is about 2 feet tall and bare. I was wondering if i should prune it back? is it just resting? at the moment its just a long stick with 3 leaves at the bottom and I'd like to try and rejuvenate it..
I have it in the bathroom where it is light (but not direct sunlight) and humid.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Rehanna,

Your Orchid is probably a Phalaenopsis. Normally it will not flower more than once per year. Sometimes you can get a secondary flower spike if you prune the original flower spike right after the last flower fades, but it is too late now for that with yours.

For now, all you can do is provide proper light, moisture, and fertilizer until the end of the year when it may flower again. In the interim, it may grow a couple more leaves, but it will not do much else. It is not dormant, just not in a flower-producing mode.

To flower, it will need very bright indirect light, such as you get on a north windowsill. Do not repot it. Take it to the sink once per week and let the faucet flow around and through all of the roots and bark. The excess will flow out through the drainage holes. Once per month, pour a dilute liquid fertilizer through the roots and bark. That's all you can do for it.

I have written an article on the care of Phalaenopsis orchids that I will email to anyone who sends a request to my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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