Orchid Care
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26 July 2009
Over the years I have sold many Phalaenopsis Orchids in the shop, the most common after sale question is what to do with Orchid once flowering has finished. I thought I would share some tips and experience with you.
Orchids should flower for at least 3 months sometimes even longer, you’ll notice along the stem there are small bracts known as nodes. Once the Orchid has finished flowering cut the stem just above one of the nodes and continue to water and feed your Orchid as normal at least once to twice a week. Apparently Orchids re-flower every 9-12 months however from experience I have noticed every Orchid is different. I have a white moth Orchid at home, which I cut back when the flowers had died and after about 3-4 months later I noticed new growth, but not in the form of fresh buds. I noticed new aerial roots and new foliage, after researching on the net I discovered my Orchid had produced a new plant, a Keiki. I waited for new plant to establish and I removed the new plant and re-potted in Orchid compost, available at most garden outlets, and some shingle in the base of the pot for drainage. Within about 2 months after replanting both the new and original plant have new flowers and buds!
Happy Propagating!
