To cut or not to cut

[Amanda L]

Nice play on Shakespeare! I have had to cut spikes to allow the plant to put energy into growing roots. On the other hand, if the plant is healthy and the spike isn't drying up and turning brown, I leave it. I have a phal that has 2 spikes, still green, that is growing a new leaf and roots.

[eer]

I am new to caring for orchids. I received a plant for my birthday when it was in bloom. Now all of the flowers have come off and I think I need to cut the plant back, but I don't know how short...any advice? This is a link to what the flowers looked like (and the leaves too, same number as the photo)

Click here.

For some more information: Right now, the stalk is about 2.5 feet tall and has about 3 or 4 inches of brown at the tip. There is just one straight stalk with no "branches" off of it. It has a support pole holding it up.

Also, should I leave it in the original container?

I appreciate any help you can give me- I don't want to harm such a great plant with my inexperience.

Thanks!

[nenella]

Eer Welcome to the Orchid Board!
From your photo it looks like you had a brown spike & a second one with some flowers on it ?.
Normally if the spike is growing brown you need to cut it back.There are different opinions on where to cut back too. It would help if you posted an other photo of what it looks like now as well tell us what the roots look like? if it is in a plastic transparent pot you can take a photograph of the roots & then it'll be much easier to tell you exactly what to do.

[10010100102]

Awesome Shakespeare, Redhead! I say cut, give the plant some rest. After all, don't we all do better after a good night's sleep?

[eer]

Well obviously I have lost track of time, but my orchid still needs help. Here are three photos that I hope will give you more of an idea of what I'm working with here. The previous link I posted was to the florist that we purchased the plant from. I posted it to show what the flowers and leaves looked like. Below is a link to three photos of my actual plant. One shows the entire plant, one shows the top that is turning brown, and the third shows the roots.
Here are the photos.
Also- should I plant it in something or is okay in the original container? And how often should I feed/water it?
Any suggestions are much appreciated!

[quiltingwacko]

If your home is very dry, I would say water it twice a week. Don't let it sit in water. You can poke your finger down into the medium to see if it is dry if you aren't sure. Cut the spikes off. You have a phaleonopsis it appears. They are a good starter orchid. They like very weak fertilizer. I prefer Dynagro, an eighth tsp once a week in a quart of water. You may have something else available in your area. Don't pour the whole quart on the orchid by the way. Share it with other houseplants or something in your yard. Have fun and good luck. Carol

[quiltergal]

Eer, it looks pretty healthy. If you plan to cut the spike cut it as close to the base of the plant as you can. Your roots look pretty heathy from what I can see. I think it might be time for a repot though. It looks like it's about to bust out of that pot. Also sphag moss isn't the easiest to get the hang of watering. It's either too wet or too dry. For new orchid growers I recommend orchid bark or coco husk chunks.

[Singingirl96]

lovely sonnet, mr. Shakespeare.