should I trim the stem? - Orchid Board

billandalisha · #1 06-08-2008, 02:06 PM

Hello we are a first time orchid users, We were amazed how long the flowers lasted on our orchid. Now all the flowers has fallen off and it seems to have an bare bark on our plant with 3 strong firm leaves on it (it only had 5 to start with)

Now the bottom leaves are turning yellow and falling off. Im picking those out so it doesn't rot the plant. Now my question is should I trim the steam..so the food can go to the roots for next year or should I leave the steams the way it is?

This is the type of orchid we have ..only the flowers where purple

jkofferdahl · #2 06-08-2008, 02:18 PM

I'd watch the plant closely, and seriously consider a repot. When you repot you can check the roots and make sure that they are healthy. If they look good, and especially if a new leaf is beginning to show itself in the crown, don't worry about the spikes. Just cut them off about a hlf inch above the last node before where the first flower came and it you may get new stems growing from there.

However, if the roots are not in good shape then you'll want the plant to devote energy to growth and development rather than blooming. Trim back the bad roots and snip the stems back to about an inch above where they come from the plant. The plant may take a bit of time to rest before it goes on, but you should soon see both new root growth and also a new leaf coming.

Don't worry if you occasionally lose a bottom leaf, so long as you are getting good growth at the top.

CodiMN · #3 06-08-2008, 02:28 PM

Hi billandalisha!

Welcome to the OB

: The type of orchid you have is a phalenopsis orchid.
Trimming back the stem to a node (bump on the stem) is a good idea. This helps the plant focus it's energy on getting ready for more roots and storing up for next year's bloom season. Repotting is a great idea too! When you repot, look to see if the roots are mushy or firm. Firm is good, mushy or hollow roots can be trimmed. Quick advice, but it's a great place to start!

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Ross · #4 06-08-2008, 02:34 PM

Hi Bill and Alisha, welcome to the board. I am of the school to trim off the old spike and repot. Especially if you are losing bottom leaves. A Phal this size should easily carry 4-5 leaves all the time. I see the inner pot is clear plastic. That is wonderful. I would get some clean repotting bark (medium is fine.) and repot. Clip off any rotten roots you see. Be careful to not overwater (that's why the clear pot is nice.) You can see the moisture in the pot. If you see moisture beads and dark green roots, wait to water till the roots lighten up (kinda greenish white). You want to see nice bright green root tips and whiteish roots that turn green right after watering. Hope this helps.

billandalisha · #5 06-08-2008, 04:02 PM

wonderful tips so far! Thank you, Right now the plant is bare with no flowers , I just trimmed it to the node. :edit: One of the stems was starting to get hard like an old wooden stick: So I trimmed it down to the fresh lively part..was this the right thing to do? I will replant this flower into a bigger pit with good drainage.

Right now it has 3 firm leaves but no sign of new leaves growing. When I replant I will keep a close eye on the roots.

Btw I lifted the clear plastic pot and I see a few roots starting to wrap around and sticking from the bottom holes. So I KNOW to replant it asap. Should I unwrap the roots or will it take care of that on its own?

BikerDoc5968 · #6 06-08-2008, 04:34 PM

I agree with Ross...I cut my old spikes off at the very bottm so next flowering season I get nice strong spikes with large flowers, if that is the plant's normal growth. The repot thing is very important to see what's what in the pot

jkofferdahl · #7 06-08-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billandalisha

wonderful tips so far! Thank you, Right now the plant is bare with no flowers , I just trimmed it to the node. :edit: One of the stems was starting to get hard like an old wooden stick: So I trimmed it down to the fresh lively part..was this the right thing to do? I will replant this flower into a bigger pit with good drainage.

Right now it has 3 firm leaves but no sign of new leaves growing. When I replant I will keep a close eye on the roots.

Btw I lifted the clear plastic pot and I see a few roots starting to wrap around and sticking from the bottom holes. So I KNOW to replant it asap. Should I unwrap the roots or will it take care of that on its own?

With healthy growth the roots will wrap around the inside of the pot, and even come out through the holes. That's nothing to be concerned about, really. Of more importance is the overall condition of both these roots and also of the potting medium. If the medium is breaking down, repotting is important. If the roots are staying too wet but the medium is in good condition, just water less often.

And since the roots are sticking to the pot, when you repot the plant make sure you first lightly water, to moisten the roots, and then use a sharp knife to loosen then from the sides of the pot before you pull the plant out.

Ross · #8 06-08-2008, 07:25 PM

New roots sticking out are no biggie! Let them just take over the pot. Phals can deal with crowded roots just fine. Eventually (a year or so) you'll want to move up to a bigger pot. Try to stick with "clear" or milky pots so you can keep tabs on medium and root condition.

justatypn · #9 06-08-2008, 07:58 PM

Sounds like you have some great advise b/a. Phals are very forgiving and when they rebloom they will provide you with such beauty...good luck and btw

CodiMN · #10 06-09-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billandalisha

wonderful tips so far! Thank you, Right now the plant is bare with no flowers , I just trimmed it to the node. :edit: One of the stems was starting to get hard like an old wooden stick: So I trimmed it down to the fresh lively part..was this the right thing to do? I will replant this flower into a bigger pit with good drainage.

Right now it has 3 firm leaves but no sign of new leaves growing. When I replant I will keep a close eye on the roots.

Btw I lifted the clear plastic pot and I see a few roots starting to wrap around and sticking from the bottom holes. So I KNOW to replant it asap. Should I unwrap the roots or will it take care of that on its own?

Good job trimming down the spike. Yes, when it starts to get wood-like, that means it's been discarded by the plant and will not be producing any more flowers from that section.
New leaves will come from the center of the plant with they grow.

An easy trick to get those roots free is to soak the bottom of the pot in some luke warm water until the roots are flexible, that way you can easily move them thru the holes and free the whole plant from the pot with little trauma.

You're doing a great job! You have good orchid instincts!