To trim, or not to trim?

[ali_oop67]

Hello everyone!

Ali here, long time plant lover, first time orchid owner.

I recently received a beautiful phal as a gift. I think it's interesting because the spike has two branches with a lot of blooms on them. Anyway, the blooms on one branch have completely fallen off and it has started turning yellowish brown. I know this is normal, however I do think it's a bit early (I live in Illinois) and cold still for the blooms to be falling. I'm hoping the temperature change from bringing it into my apartment didn't send it into shock. The roots and leaves look good. The blooms on the other branch are still beautiful, sturdy, and healthy looking. A small bud on the end just bloomed the other day.

All that being said, my question for you is, do you think I should trim the branch that is turning brown? Or should I wait until all the blooms have fallen and trim it all the way down? Do you think my phal is sick, or is it just time to rest?

Please help! This is my first experience with an indoor flower!

Thanks in advance

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board, ali_oop67!

Normally when a phal is finished blooming on a stalk, the stalk will turn yellow, then brown as it dies. You should be fine trimming the dead part back to the living part of the stalk. It is possible the change in temperature and humidity shortened the life of the flowers, but that is a challenge when moving a flowering orchid from one building to another during the winter.

Also be sure you're treating it right. There is an extensive thread here in the Beginner Discussion on caring for phals:

The Phal abuse ends here.

And this method helps you tell when to water:

Using skewers to determine when to water

You will soon be a pro at caring for orchids and showing us your blooms.

[No-Pro-mwa]

I can't think of anything to add to the above. So I'll just say welcome to the board and after you have 5 posts you can post a picture.