Orchid Help Please :)

[amkelly802]

Hey Everyone,

Im new here and Im also new to orchids so this has been an interesting ride. I received an orchid from someone and it was in full bloom and now the blossoms seem to be falling off. Im not exactly sure what type of orchid it is but Im guessing Phaleanopsis? Now that the blossoms are falling off, Ive read that youre supposed to cut the stems all the way down to where it begins at the leaves? Is this true? And if so, do I wait to cut it when its all brown? Or do I just cut it now that all the blossoms are off of it? Here are some pictures, there were two, one who has lost all blossoms and one on its way!

Cheers

---------- Post added at 08:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 PM ----------

Would like to upload my photos I have but the website wont let me

[Ordphien]

I just leave mine unless they turn brown.
Often times I get a smaller, but still beautiful, second flower spike from the old one.
Sometimes more than one spike...
You need 5 posts to upload pictures.

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[Ferns Daddy]

Welcome to OB, I do the same I wait until the stem turns brown then cut it off

[amkelly802]

thanks guys happy to be here. once i get those 5 posts ill upload the photos and let you decide, or some advice

---------- Post added at 09:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

pictures coming soon

---------- Post added at 09:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 PM ----------

This not being allowed to post pictures is getting frustrating :/

[james mickelso]

Welcome to OB. The worlds best place for orchid addicts. We know what your phal looks like. We've seen dozens and that question is raised repeatedly with differing answers. I always cut mine back all the way so it won't rebloom from a latent node which gives the plant more time to gather strength for a better bloom after it puts on more weight. A second bloom off an old spike drains the plant further while letting it rest allows it to build up starches and sugars for foliar growth. Then it has the strength to bloom when it is time to do so. Some like the additional bloom. But as a new orchid grower I suggest you cut it back all the way, put cinnamon on the cut, and let it grow further. If not you will be back here asking, "what is wrong with my orchid?".

[amkelly802]

James thanks for the information! I just want to add a picture because I'm not fully confident which kind of orchid it is. Also, do I want for the full stem to turn brown and then cut it or do I cut it as soon as all the flowers have fallen off? What is the purpose of the cinnamon? And how much would I put on it?

[james mickelso]

Once the flowers have faded or started to look like they're on their last legs I cut the stem all the way to the base. I take a Q-tip, get a good pile of cinnamon on it, and dab it on the cut stem. Cinnamon is an astringent. It actually cauterizes the would. Keeps bacteria and funguses at bay and I've read helps keep viruses at bay also. Works on humans too. But not ex-wives. Oh. Different thread. Sorry.

[Katsols]

I cut mine completely off because i was re-potting it, some say if you cut after the first node of the spike (look like joints in between) then it will re-bloom again from there.