should i snip this spike off?

[seanbugeja]

hi all. i'm new to orchid care.... my new orchid seems to have gone through bud blast due to the change in environment. the spike in the picture had all its buds shrivel and fall of. lost 3 buds in all.

should i snip this spike off being that there are no buds on it left? thanks

[jcec1]

It may produce new buds when it has adapted to it's new surroundings. If the spike goes brown or yellow cut it off, but if it stays the same colour it may produce new buds. Most failures with phalaenopsis are due to overwatering, so water it well and then wait until you see the roots in the pot turn silvery white before watering again.

[seanbugeja]

thanks a lot! about watering, how long should I soak it in water? im finidng conflicting information. Some say an hour while others say 10 minutes. whats the correct info please? thanks

[ccrow]

I usually soak mine about 10-15 minutes, then make sure they are well drained before I put the pot back in the saucer.

[jcec1]

I soak mine for a couple of hours once a week, but like ccrow I make sure it is well drained. You'll get more than one answer as everyone has different conditions and preferences. Your orchid looks happy so stick with however long you are soaking it for.

[seanbugeja]

thanks a lot guys