Broken Stem? Do I push it into the soil or put it in water?

[greenzgurl]

Hi everyone - I have a phalaenopsis. My main stem grew a floral offshot (another shoot with buds) but the offshoot stem broke last night. My roommate said I should put it back into the soil. Will that help it bloom? Or should I just put the branch in water?

Thank you so much!

[camille1585]

Hi greenzgurl, welcome to Orchidboard!

You are better off putting the stem in water and treating it like any other cut flower, as I don't think putting it in soil will make it do anything. Orchid spikes don't grow roots as far as I know!
Depending on how far along the buds are, you might get them to bloom. Be sure to change the water regularily.

Also, one other thing: you mention soil. Is your phal potted in soil? If that's the case you really should repot it asap into something more appropriate, like a bark based mix. Orchids need lots of air around their roots.

Hope that helps!

[RosieC]

:iagree:

Phal spikes do not grow, so treat it like a cut flower.

Also as Camille says if it's really soil it's potted in you should get it potted in some proper orchid media. I favour bark but some favour sphagnum moss or a mixture.