Broken? Ack! - Orchid Board

Urchin · #1 08-21-2013, 08:23 AM

So, as per my previous post, I'm completely new to the orchid world.

I bought my first orchid only 2 days ago.

Last night I went to check on it, and saw that the stem has broken. I don't know if I bought it that way, or if some one else in my household might have done it and didn't tell me. Is there any way to salvage the plant? So sad right now. It's pretty well broken right through.

(I tried to post a photo but don't have a high enough post count)

OrchidLoverSA · #2 08-21-2013, 09:33 AM

If it's a phalaenopsis, then it's probably just the flowerspike that's broken. You can just cut it off and care for the plant, they produce new spikes in no time.

Urchin · #3 08-21-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrchidLoverSA

If it's a phalaenopsis, then it's probably just the flowerspike that's broken. You can just cut it off and care for the plant, they produce new spikes in no time.

Oh really? I wish I could post the pic of where it broke. Essentially, the "shoot" that comes up from the leaves broke (about 2-3 inches below the flowering parts)...so all the flowers broke off.

I will use some sterile clippers to remove the flowers (cry) and hope that new ones sprout!

Jayfar · #4 08-21-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urchin

Oh really? I wish I could post the pic of where it broke. Essentially, the "shoot" that comes up from the leaves broke (about 2-3 inches below the flowering parts)...so all the flowers broke off.

I will use some sterile clippers to remove the flowers (cry) and hope that new ones sprout!

Don't cut off the whole spike. Better than 50/50 odds it will produce a new branch from one of the nodes further down on the spike, so just make a clean cut at the point where it broke. The tip of a spike typically sends hormones downward that at least partially suppress growth from the nodes below (although some varieties manage to branch regardless). When the tip is gone due to damage, the absence of those hormones allows another node to develop into a spike/branch.

Urchin · #5 08-21-2013, 11:04 AM

Thank-you Jayfar! I see that there are a couple nodes just below where the break occurred. I will do what you suggested. Here's to hoping I get more flowers

You guys are so great!

RosieC · #6 08-21-2013, 12:49 PM

Agreed.

Usually I DO like to remove the whole spike to give the plant a rest, but when it's broken and lost it's flower I leave it and it will often produce a side spike with a few more flowers. Maybe not as many as originally but it's still nice to get them

DweamGoiL · #7 08-21-2013, 02:23 PM

And don't forget to seal off the cut with a bit of cinnamon to keep any nasties away.

kindrag23 · #8 08-21-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DweamGoiL

And don't forget to seal off the cut with a bit of cinnamon to keep any nasties away.

Yep cinnamon works wonderful, it makes stuff taste good and is a great anti fungal haha.

I think you have to post at least 5 times after that you can post pictures. Welcome and good luck. Beware though orchid growing is quite addicting

Urchin · #9 08-23-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindrag23

Yep cinnamon works wonderful, it makes stuff taste good and is a great anti fungal haha.

I think you have to post at least 5 times after that you can post pictures. Welcome and good luck. Beware though orchid growing is quite addicting

Thanks again guys! You are all so nice here!

Luckily I take Cinnamon for my own health, so I have lots kicking around to treat my orchid with