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Phalaenopsis Spike Turning Yellow/Purple After Cutting: Normal Die-Back

Reader cut Phalaenopsis spike after November bloom hoping for rebloom. Spike now yellowing and deep purple from cut point down. Plant otherwise healthy, indirect light, no fertilizer yet.

Genetic Trait: Spike Die-Back

Some Phalaenopsis lineages have spikes that rebloom; others naturally die back after blooming. This is not caused by care.

What to Expect

New spike will emerge from plant base ~1 month before natural bloom season
Repot annually after blooming to check roots and refresh mix
Water ≤once/week; fertilize at half strength

Your plant is healthy; just wait for the next natural cycle.

Orchids: Encouraging Blooms on a Mature Phalaenopsis Orchid; Repotting a Phalaenopsis from Clear Plastic Pot to Orchid Planter; Mealybugs on Orchids: Identification, Treatment & Root Rot Prevention; Post-Keiki Removal: When Will My Orchid Bloom Again?; Orchid Keikis: What They Are, When to Remove & How to Pot Successfully; Cymbidium Flower Drop and Sticky Sap: Normal or Problem?; Phalaenopsis Flower Spike & Leaves Shriveling: Root Rot from Old Mix; Fungus Gnats in Orchid Pot: Repot in Coarse Bark to Eliminate; Yellowing Phalaenopsis Stem: When to Cut and How to Repot; Saving a Declining Cambria (Vuylstekeara): Cool Grower, Repot Needed

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