Question
Hi Jim!
I wrote to you not too long ago about my phalaenopsis orchid:
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My blossoms had fallen off but you said it might've just been time for them to.  It's been about a month now and I've been watering it once a week, making sure it only gets indirect sunlight, and I try to make sure the air is circulating.  When will the flowers come back? Do they regrow?  The rest of the plant is healthy...the leaves are green and the stem looks great. I even tried asking it to regrow in a nice voice, lol.  I think my orchid just hates me.

Any more tips you have, I'd appreciate it! Thanks

Answer
Hi again Chanel!

I'm afraid I've got bad news for you!  Your phalaenopsis orchid probably will not produce blooms until next year, possibly in late winter or early spring.  Until then, keep it growing happily.  

If the stem still appears to be alive (not turning brown), leave it alone as it may produce new blooms from the tip.  There are some phalaenopsis that can produce blooms on the same stem over several years with the stem growing longer in the process.  But, if the stem begins to turn brown from the tip downward, you should cut it off.  

During winter I would suggest cutting back slightly on the watering to around every 10 to 14 days.  The phal. growth slows down in winter so it does not require quite as much water.  When you see new root or leaf growth is the time to go back to your current watering schedule.  

Of course, if you really think it hates you, you could send it to me!  (grin)  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.