When and how to prune?

[swil27]

When and How to Prune?

Hi, I recently purchased my first Orchid (Phalaenopsis) and am keen to learn about when and how to prune it. As you can see in the picture below there are currently 3 flowers on the flower stem.

With regards to the time of pruning, shall I wait until the first of flowers begins to visibly decay before pruning?

Secondly, should I cut the flower stem off completely or should I cut it back to the closest eye? One this point I am aware there are some competing schools of thought, so if you point out some advantages of each that would be fantastic. Furthermore, which would be more appropriate for my Orchid considering its size and its characteristics?

Lastly, when should I consider repotting and how do I do so?

Thank you,

Stephen

[zxyqu]

Stephen, congrats on the orchid and welcome to OB. Hopefully so more expert minds will chime it to give you some thoughts, but here are mine.
I wouldn't think of pruning til the last flower is starting to fall, and me personally would cut the whole stem off down to the plant. You could cut it off just before the first flower and hope for a new spike to start from there, but that's your call. Like some, I'd rather let the plant focus on growing, and maybe get two spikes the next go round, or more blooms on one spike. With your plant, it could go either way, as it looks like its pretty healthy from the leaves, dont know about your roots. If you have healthy roots, you may give the spike another shot.
I'll leave repotting up to someone more knowledgeable.
Hope that helps!

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Cutting the spike is an individual preference. I usually cut mine to within an inch of the base of the plant when the last flower drops. I do that so the plant uses it's resourses for roots and leaves and better blooms nest bloom season.
If your potting media is breaking down it is time to repot. What is your phal growing in?
Joann

[Ray]

Why waste any time with the blossoms!?!?! I vote with Joann and wait until all of the blossoms are gone.

Spike Cutting