orchid stem like a stick

[2orchid]

Hi there everyone, this is my first time posting, so if I've got the wrong spot please let me know!

I have a couple phalanopsis orchids that have very thick, dark hard stems, almost like a stick (these are pretty big phalanopsis). Is this normal? Will it be possible get a new bloom and should I bother trimming above a node?

I have a couple other smaller phalanopsis that have nice bright green stems, and it's making me wondering if some orchids just have different types of stems?

[silken]

Welcome to Orchid Board. I am not able to view your pictures. If the spikes are brown and dry, they are likely dead and you can cut them back to just above the base. If they are green but done blooming, you can cut them several nodes back and sometimes they will produce some more blooms. Once they are dead, they won't bloom and the plant will have to produce another spike, likely next year.

[2orchid]

hi Silken,

Thanks for the reply. I couldn't figure out how to imbed the images so I put a couple links up.

As for the thick stick them, I'm pretty sure it's not dead, as when I cut it above a node it was very green and "juicy" on the inside, only the outside was very hard.

any thoughts?

[silken]

The thick one is likely more a purplish green as some Phals are like that. It is alive too and you can cut it back at a node. You will know when it is dead as it will be brown and woody.

[wintergirl]

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[2orchid]

Originally Posted by silken

The thick one is likely more a purplish green as some Phals are like that. It is alive too and you can cut it back at a node. You will know when it is dead as it will be brown and woody.

Thanks for the advice, good to know it's just a different type of stem.

[Paphluvr]

Looks like a normal, healthy Phal. stem to me. Has it bloomed previously? Is that why you're asking about cutting above a node?

[2orchid]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

Looks like a normal, healthy Phal. stem to me. Has it bloomed previously? Is that why you're asking about cutting above a node?

Yepp! It just dropped its big magenta blooms about a week ago. Trying to decide to cut the stem at the bottom or at a node.

If a healthy orchid is cut above a node, what is the likelihood of it blooming again? how long might it take to rebloom?

[wintergirl]

It looks green and healthy, I would leave it but it is entirely your choice. I leave my spikes and I get blooms twice a year. Some of mine that were in bloom in Dec are in re-bloom now.

[2orchid]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

It looks green and healthy, I would leave it but it is entirely your choice. I leave my spikes and I get blooms twice a year. Some of mine that were in bloom in Dec are in re-bloom now.

Hey winter girl, when you say you "leave your spikes" does that mean you cut them above the node, or just leave them entirely after bloom without cutting the spike at all?