Orchid Potting

Orchid Potting
I cut my orchid stem down to the leaf- will it regrow?

Someone told me that after flowering I should cut it all the way down and it would regrow, but it’s been 5 months and nothing! what is the proper way to care for them after bloom? The orchid is potted in a bathroom windowsill. Thanks

Hi mattysmom,

Most orchid species only bloom once a year, but many orchid hybrids (which is the result of breeding two different orchids together) could bloom two to three times per year. It all depends on the type of orchid you have.

I suspect that what you have is a Phalaenopsis (moth orchid). This type of orchid has broad flat leaves. The leaves stay low close to the pot and the flower spike emerges by the base of the leaves. The flower spike is long and arcs gracefully. I am guessing this is what you have.

To ensure Phalaenopsis rebooms, you should keep it warm (70-86 °F during the day and 15°F cooler at night). The drop of temperature at night is VERY important to initiate flower spike. Many Phalaenopsis will absolutely not bloom without it. Phalaenopsis does not like to dry out, and like all orchids, like to be in humid environment (minimin 40% humidity). Since you are putting it in the bathroom windowsill, I suspect that the humidity is sufficient. Finally, make sure that it has enough light. Even though Phalaenopsis has low light requirement, it still needs sufficient light to bloom. A east-, south-, or west- facing window is good. If your orchid does not have enough light, the leaves are very dark green. You want the leaves to be light green.

Please read about this Phalaenopsis page – http://www.everything-orchids.com/phalaenopsis-orchid.html to learn about this orchid and read how to take care of orchids in general – http://www.everything-orchids.com/orchid-care.html .

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kennis

Orchid Potting Demonstration 1