Question about Growing Habits

[Gold3nku5h]

I know little to nothing about orchids, besides their crazy cool flowers. After a stem flowers and drops them, does that stem die, with the plant regrowing another one next season?** Where can i find good informative websites or literature about orchid habits, growth, and care?* Is it hard to come across seeds, does it take along time for them to germinate (years) and grow to flower (also in years)? Thanks for all the help, * im looking forward to learning what you guys have to say. * -Aaron

[peggypugsmom]

Welcome Aaron...I'm a very new newbie...orchids are very new to me...I have been kind of looking online for the past 2 months, gathering little bits of info here and there; purchased a great book..then...on 7/16 I landed at OB...was absolutely mesmerized by the continuous flow of friendly and easily forthcoming answers to my novice questions...the forums are so informative..I have to say, personally speaking, that this is the place to get your answers...just keep reading the various discussions..jump on a "thread"...there are glorious pix and so much more! You'll be glad you're here...my questions related to just learning how to care for my chids and keep them happy...and alive!...the propagation...later...so there's my sell!...tell us what kinds of chids you have and share pix...= .. Eileen just my and btw: my first orchid lost all the blooms in a week..that was 2 months ago..I thought I had , well, killed it...but I've learned here how to care for it properly..and that there is life after the blooms go...my spike is growing ..well something..maybe another spike..it's exciting to see what happens..

[Ross]

Welcome Aaron. Generally, the answer is yes. After a stem flowers and the old flowers drop off, the stem dies. This is not always the case for certain orchids. A few Tolumnias ( an eqitant Oncidium) and certain Phalenopsis may decide to give more blossoms. I, for one, don't encourage this, as the second bloom robs a lot of energy from the plant. A well-grown plant can do this with no problems, but many cannot. Hope this helps.

[peggypugsmom]

Ross...In my case I had only owned my new orchid, a beautiful Phal..gift for Mother's Day, about 2 weeks tops, when the only bud fell first and then one by one the blooms died..I thought it was from the new environment..incorrect light etc. It is growing a lovely new leaf in the center...and it has been repotted (several times I hate to say...)..would you still suggest that it would do better if I cut it back? Eileen