what to do when blooms die?

[nicochick]

Hi,

I have 2 Phalaenopsis orchids, they have now both finished blooming and the flowers have now dropped off. What do I do now? With one - a single stem plant I have cut back the stem so that it is about 10 inches from root to top (straight, did loop round when flowering) and the other is also a single stem but has an additional 3 branches coming off it. Is it best to cut the branches back and if so how much? Also do I continue watering them as I have been? On the advice of the garden centre I purchased them from they said to dunk them in some warm water for about 30 seconds then leave on the draining board to drain then put back in pot - I have been doing this weekly.

Any advice would be appreciated - I love these plants!

Thanks
Nicola.

[Ray]

There is debate about whether to cut the spikes. I posted my view on it here: Spike Cutting

Yes, they need to be fed and watered regularly.

[PJG]

Nicola. thanks for the question.

Ray, thanks for the answer.

I (well my wife) was given a white Phal', (I'd get the six pack) anyway, the flowers are falling and reading from another thread and this one about the spike, I have my answer.

I cut the dying flowers off, for looks and to tell the plant to stop feeding them.
And the spike , at this time is a strong looking green.

I have no other blooms, they've all flowered. So I'll take the wait and see approach. Before I do any spike cutting.
I did change pots when the flowers were falling hoping to get it comfortable again. We'll see.
Thanks,
Peter

[RosieC]

My preference is to cut off the spikes (right back as close as you can without damaging the plant) when they finish to allow the plant time to grow and strengthen ready for the next spike. You can sometimes get further bloomes on old spikes and many people like to leave them for that reason but I'm one of those who prefers to cut them back.

Just try and look after the plant and keep it healthy, watering them between once a week and once a fortnight is about right for my phals here in the UK and it's good to let them drain well just as you have been advised.

I favour using clear plastic pots (and they are often sold that way in the UK). By using those you can look at the roots to work out when they need watering, when the roots have just been watered you will see them go bright green. When they loose that colour (going more pale and silvery) and when there are no beeds of moisture inside the pot then it is time to water again.

Just look after them and with luck they will grow new spikes soon.