Cymbidium stalk with flowers and no roots.
 

Hi, I'm totally new to growing orchids, but I received a Cymbidium stalk with flowers & no roots. See the picture. I don't know how to make it root. Also, I read up on growing it after I cut the stem and put it in water to keep it alive. I've since potted it without roots and kept the flowers on the stem. I've read I should cut the flowers off. I've also read that I should put it in a clear glass with the bottom just above water to root. I used Cymbidium potting mixture to pot and filled with water. I potted in an orchid growing plastic pot with a reservoir to drain water at bottom. Please advise me on whether I'm on the right track or need to start over and do something else to grow the roots.

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Cymbidium flower stalks won't root and grow. Enjoy the flowers while they last. Meanwhile read about them here so you can get varieties that will grow and flower where you live. There is a Cymbidium forum here where you can learn a lot.

Thank you for replying. That's so disappointing to hear. I really thought I'd have an orchid plant out of it. I wasted money on the pot and potting mix.:(

Definitely get it back into water (cut a bit of the bottom of the stem just as you put it in the water, just like you would do with stems of roses) That will maximize the flower life. Cyms as cut flowers can last several weeks.

You can use the pot and potting medium for the Cymbidium you buy in the future!

The Cymbidium cut flower market is huge in some parts of the world.