First-Time Orchid Owner: Where to Cut Bloom Spike

Cutting Back the Phalaenopsis Bloom Spike

Angela's first orchid: last flower dropped. Unsure how far to cut back. Is bloom spike whole stem from base or last 8-10 inches where flowers were? Plant ~30 inches from tip to leaf area.

Expert Response

Angela, cut old bloom spike above any node (joint), usually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th above leaves. Don't forget to repot in orchid mix after flowering (recommended). May have been repotted before you got it—then okay for another year.