Re-bloom after repotting mid-bloom

[Kmangardener]

I recently purchased two orchids from a local store that were blooming and immediately reported them into new medium (miracle gro orchid mix) in well ventilated orchid pots. I realized too late that this probably shocked them and caused the blooms to fall off quickly (within 2 weeks). From what I’ve read online, you shouldn’t repot in mid bloom. Questions for the group:

1. Now that the blooms have fallen, should I cut the spike to the nearest node to get it to rebloom or remove entirely? What are best practices for determining whether I can get the plant to rebloom again this season, given that I may have shocked the root system already by repotting?

2. Next time I purchase a new orchid should I leave him in the (typically poor) medium they come with and wait until the blooms fall off before repotting?

Thanks!

[Roberta]

There is no way of knowing how long the plants had been in bloom before you got them... the flowers may well have been near the end of their life anyway. Phalenopsis plants don't usually object to being repotted while in bloom. If the medium was bad (the usual situation) you did exactly the right thing, for the long-term well-being of the plant. I suggest not cutting the old spike - if it is going to make a blooming branch, it will do it without cutting (and then you don't risk the error of cutting in the wrong place) If it isn't going to rebloom, the plant can absorb energy and moisture from that old spike (orchids are great at "recycling") Once it turns brown, of course you'll know that the plant is done with it and can certainly cut it.

One thing to think about especially when repotting a plant in bloom, but actually any orchid... don't be too aggressive about removing old media. Leaving a bit of the old stuff behind is much better than damaging roots from rough handling. Of course, really rotted roots can be trimmed if there are some good ones, but if the whole root system is a mess, you can just remove the rotted velamin (the outside part of the root) because that "string" in the middle is the actual root that can transmit water, and also serves to hold the plant firmly in the pot. So fresh medium is great, just be a little gentle on the roots.

[Ray]

Adding to Roberta's good advice - if you simply don't like the looks of the bare spike, feel free to remove it by cutting it at its base.