Phalaenopsis End-of-Bloom Care: Spike Pruning, Repotting, and Pot Size Decisions

Spike Pruning: Your Options

• Green spike: Cut above any node (bump) to try for branch rebloom, OR leave alone—it may extend and bud.
• Spike turns brown: Cut at base—normal for some hybrids.
• Don't cut to leaves unless spike is fully dead.

Why Repot Annually After Bloom?

Orchid roots need air flow. Decomposed mix compacts → less air → root rot. Fresh coarse bark mix restores aeration. Moss is bad—compacts, stays too wet or too dry.

Pot Size Decision: Check Roots First

1. Unpot and rinse roots.
2. Trim dead (mushy) roots.
3. Few healthy roots left? → Reuse same pot (or smaller).
4. Most roots healthy & firm? → Pot 1" larger diameter.

Always use plastic pot with abundant drainage.

Fertilizer & Watering Post-Repot

• Wait 1 week, then water weekly.
• Fertilize weakly weekly (¼ tsp/gal) when new leaf growth starts.
• Alternate fertilizers for micronutrient variety.

You're Asking Exactly the Right Questions

Every expert was once a beginner. Annual repotting, root-based pot sizing, and spike management are the core skills—master these and you'll grow spectacular Phalaenopsis for decades.