New - Orchid Board

Katie_May · #1 11-17-2010, 11:44 PM

Hi Every One,

I would just like to say I am glad to be here and really hope to learn alot. I am kind of new to Orchids I just got my first Orchid not to long ago in Auguest as a gift from my boyfriend

. I had been wanting one for a long time and am so glad I finaly have one. It has been doing really well so far, at least from what I can tell. Some of the flowers on it are starting to fall off so I think I will have to cut it soon to start a new bloom once all the rest fall off. so if any one has any advice about that it would really help. I really look forward to meeting new people and geting advice because anything helps.

RosieC · #2 11-18-2010, 04:11 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board Katie May

You haven't said, but I'm assuming your orchid is a Phalaenopsis. If you are not sure then posting a picture here may help us work that out for you.

If so then I don't advise cutting the existing spike to try and get it to bloom again from there. This is a method of forcing flowers, but sometimes it can weaken the plant, if the plant is not ready/strong enough to grow more at that time.

Instead I either leave the old spikes to see if they want to grow more flowers (if they turn brown and dry then they won't and I just cut them off) or I cut them off anyway right down at the bottom. If you cut them off at the bottom the plant will grow a new one when it is ready to flower again.

Anyway, that's my preference

Hope you have a great time on Orchid Board, I'm sure you will!

CTB · #3 11-18-2010, 07:31 AM

Have you read about repotting your orchid. Most gowers use spag. to ship plants in and it holds too much water for most growers., and goes bad quick. If it is doing good you can wait till Spring but you can start reading and asking questions now. Welcome to the board, you have come to the right place if you have lots of questions, we have lots of answers. Enjoy!