Tip Of Stem Accidentally Cut Off

[marinebio13]

Hi!

I have a Phalaenopsis Orchid in my home that I have had for 4 years. It has bloomed twice, missed a year, and is now currently growing a stem.

In the past, I used mini clips to keep the stem attached to a stick for straight growth. This time, because of misplacing the clips, I used ties that came with my hibiscus plants.

I was adjusting the stem on the stick, and as i was retying, my nail clipped the tip of the stem and it cut off. It wasn't done growing and I'm hoping I didn't just prevent it from growing further.

The stem still has 3 buds on it and a branch growing. The piece that broke off is the very tip and the beginning of one bud. I currently have the broken piece reattached to the stem with a wet piece of gauze. I've also seen suggestions to cut the stem back to the top flower bud.

Is there anything I can do to keep it growing?

Thanks!

[RandomGemini]

I think it will be ok. You may get fewer buds out of it, but it could also just keep on growing. It sounds like you've been doing great with your orchid and I see that the spike is already branching, so it will still give you a beautiful display, even if this part of the spike doesn't keep growing.

You should be good to go.

And...



This place is awesome! The folks here are wonderful and very helpful! You will learn a lot from them!

[marinebio13]

Thanks!

So do you think I should keep it wrapped in gauze, cut back the stem a little, or do nothing and see if it keeps growing on its own?

[RandomGemini]

I would cut the spike back into healthy tissue, with sterilized cutters, and then leave it alone and see what happens.

[Bud]

Do not worry, in fact do nothing at all....let it be=do not reattach the tip if it was completely cut off....there is a small branching out spike that will also form buds, so the energy from the cut off tip will be focused there.

[james mickelso]

Bud is right on. The plant will focus it's energy on rerouting the energy to the side branch. The current buds will bloom. Leave it alone. Let the broken piece fall off when it is ready or cut it with a razor blade. Nice and clean.