After the beautiful blooms of your orchid fade, deciding what to do with the remaining flower stem is common. The answer depends on the specific type of orchid, especially the popular Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid). Correctly handling the spent flower spike directs the plant’s energy and prepares it for its next flowering cycle. The decision to cut or leave the stem dictates whether you encourage a secondary, faster rebloom or prioritize the plant’s overall strength for a larger display later on.
Determining the Health of the Flower Spike
The visual appearance of the flower spike provides the primary indication of whether it should be cut. A spike that remains plump, firm, and green is still actively transporting water and nutrients, retaining its potential for reblooming from that structure.
Conversely, spikes that begin to yellow, turn brown, or shrivel indicate the plant is reabsorbing stored energy and moisture. This color change signifies that the tissue is dying back and is no longer a viable part of the plant’s active system. This dying tissue should be removed to prevent it from becoming a potential entry point for fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Encouraging Rebloom on a Green Stem
When the flower spike of a Phalaenopsis orchid is still green after the flowers drop, you have the option to encourage a faster, secondary flowering. This involves utilizing the dormant buds stored within the nodes of the stem. A node is a small, slightly raised bump covered by a triangular sheath, containing the potential for new growth.
To stimulate a new flower branch, locate a healthy, uninitiated node beneath where the last flower bloomed. Make a clean cut approximately one inch above a lower node, usually the second or third node counting up from the base of the plant. This strategic pruning redirects the plant’s growth hormones to break the dormancy of the bud at that node. The result is often the growth of a new, shorter lateral flower spike, which can produce a smaller flush of blooms within a few months.
Producing a second set of flowers requires energy, which may temporarily slow the growth of new leaves and roots. Some growers choose to cut the entire green spike off to allow the plant to focus all its resources on vegetative growth. However, for a quick rebloom from a strong, healthy plant, cutting above a node is an effective technique. The new flowers from the secondary spike may be smaller and fewer in number compared to the initial display.
Complete Removal of a Brown or Dead Stem
If the flower spike has completely turned yellow, brown, or become brittle, its life cycle is over and it should be fully removed. The plant has already drawn back all usable nutrients and water from the dying tissue. Leaving a dead stem attached serves no purpose and can increase the risk of decay spreading to the main body of the plant.
The removal cut should be made close to the base of the plant, right where the spike emerges from the leaves, or about one inch above the crown. The crown is the central growing point from which the leaves emerge. Avoid nicking or damaging the nearby leaves or the crown itself during this process. Complete removal allows the orchid to conserve energy, focusing on developing new roots and leaves in preparation for a new, stronger flower spike during the next natural blooming season.
Preparation and Precision Cutting
Any time you cut living plant tissue, the preparation of your tools is as important as the location of the cut itself. Utilizing sharp, clean instruments, such as bypass pruners or a single-edged razor blade, ensures a swift and precise cut that minimizes damage to the delicate stem cells. A crushed or ragged cut surface takes longer to heal and provides a larger entry point for pathogens.
Before making any cut, you must sterilize your tools to prevent the transmission of viruses or fungal spores between plants. A common and effective method is wiping the blades with 70% isopropyl alcohol or soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
The slight diagonal angle of the cut is often preferred as it prevents moisture from pooling on the cut surface, which further reduces the risk of infection. After the cut is completed, a light dusting of cinnamon powder on the wound can act as a natural sealant and antifungal agent. Cinnamon is a desiccant, meaning it rapidly dries the exposed tissue and helps the plant form a protective barrier against invading microorganisms.