How do I trim the bottom of a Phalaenopsis stem?

[Fuerte Rav]

Hi all
I have several phals that are getting unsteady in their pots, with the lower part of the stem pretty dried out (on the outside at least - I don't know what the inside is like.) They all have some strong roots above the level where I'm thinking of cutting, some going down into the S/H leca, some aerial.
Please can I have some advise on how to proceed?
Do I leave the cut to 'heal' for 12 hrs or 24 hrs or ?
Do I put anything on the cut? If so, at what stage, before or after leaving to heal?
I was planning on giving the existing root area a good soak in Kelpak before starting, and again once you think it is safe to flush/water again.
Any other advice/thoughts would be very welcome.

[Dimples]

If you choose to cut the top off, you should let the cut end dry before you pot it up. When the cut is fresh you can apply sulfur powder, cinnamon, or diatomaceous earth to help dry the stump but it’s not required.

Any chance you can find a larger pot so the plants can be planted deeper instead of surgery? Removing healthy roots would be my last choice if there’s any way to avoid doing it.

[Arizona Jeanie]

I've trimmed stems on a couple of Phals, so I'm not an expert, but it turned out to be an easy process. I was surprised at how tough the stem is. I had to use my bypass pruners.
I let the cut callous overnight, and did not apply anything. Then repotted and watered as usual--I use bark. I was waiting for the plant to die, but it just kept going normally.
If the lower part has strong roots, I think there is a small chance it might pop out a keiki. I only cut off bare pieces (without roots), so didn't have a chance to try this. I cut to keep as many roots as possible above the cut.

[rbarata]

I have a Phal that is just like yours..what I did was to simply repot and put the bottom under the medium.
The plant continued to grow normally but my environment is dry and the put is filled with large bark and LEKA. I suspect, in a high or normal (for humans) humidity environment it might cause some issues as the medium stay wet for longer than desireable.

[Fuerte Rav]

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I'll be giving them a go later this week and will report back on how I proceeded and later, on the outcomes.

[FL_Orchid_Collector]

I tried to do that and I wished I hadn't. It was so dry inside the likelihood of anything bad growing through it was slim and it was difficult enough that i wished I had tougher tools and the plant lost several roots. If you look at my intro post there's a phalaenopsis at the upper mid left near the top of a live oak branch which i did that to. If there's Amy way you can fit it in your mount or pot I'd recommend although keep in mind I'm no expert at this point.