After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.

An orchid should be transplanted:

1. After the plant has bloomed and is growing new roots or leaves.
2. When the roots and plant start to overgrow the current pot.
3. If the roots become soft and brown.
4. When it’s not currently flowering or forming new flowers.
5. If the pot breaks.
6. If the plant becomes infested with bugs.

A good rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as practical after it is purchased. Usually this means when it goes out of bloom. Orchids need to be repotted before their media breaks down and smothers the roots.

It takes a month or two, or even several months for Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom. Many other varieties of orchids bloom annually. The anticipation and eventual reward of an emerging flower spike bedecked with tiny buds are so exciting.

Dead flowers do not only give your Phal an unpleasant appearance; they can also spread diseases to other parts of the plant or nearby plants. If the flower spike is drooping and discolored, and its edges have turned brownish, it is time to remove the flower. Many orchids have more than one bloom on a stem-like spike.

Flower spikes are usually greener than roots and have a flatter, mitten-shaped tip. While growing, spikes remain green along their full length. Spikes usually emerge from between the plant’s leaves, not from the plant’s center.

With good care and regular maintenance, an orchid plant may live for a lifetime — 100 years, or more.

In homes with low humidity, air roots can turn yellow and shrivel. Should this occur, wait until your orchid stops blooming, then use a sterile knife or scissors to cut away the shriveled roots. There’s also the chance your plant is outgrowing your pot. If you need to repot your plant, here’s an easy way to learn how.

Orchid air roots shouldn’t be trimmed as they are part of the system the plant uses to absorb nutrients and water. Trimming the aerial roots could cause the plant to struggle or even die due to disease or inability to absorb sufficient water and nutrients.

Unhealthy Orchid Roots Rotted roots are easily identified because they are brown, mushy and hollow. These roots are probably the result of overwatering. Brittle roots indicated under-watering. If the plant is still alive, but the roots have all died and turned to mush, the plant may still be saved.

Orchid roots like air and will rot if kept soggy and wet. Moth orchids can outgrow their pots in about a year’s time as their wandering roots reach outside and above the edge of the containers. Mature plants usually flower from late winter into spring and their blossoms can last for several months.

Because obtaining a good moisture balance is so very critical to optimal orchid care many orchid growers choose clear orchid pots so that it is easier to see when the roots are thriving and when they are not.

1. Step 1: Prepare your materials.
2. Step 2: Remove the orchid from its current pot.
3. Step 3: Clean up the roots.
4. Step 4: Place the orchid in its new pot.
5. Step 5: Add potting mix.
6. Step 6: Stake your orchid.

If you have a cattelya or other orchid that produces pseudobulbs, repot it right after flowering and before the roots begin to grow. For all other orchids, you can repot them at any time, although disturbing the plant when it’s in flower is usually not a good idea.

So put your orchid in a room that gets a little cold by the window—and put your orchid in the window. When the sun goes down, the heat will drop and the cold will stimulate it to re-bloom.

To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We’ve had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren’t as warm.

Misting gives the orchid more humidity but does not create a soggy root environment. It is best to put your orchid where it will receive medium indirect sunlight. To ensure bright blooms and a healthy plant, use a potting mixture and a fertilizer that is specifically designed for orchids.

How Long Does It Take For An Orchid Spike To Grow? Orchid spikes develop quite slowly, typically over the space of 2-3 months. The rate of development depends on two main factors. Temperature and light.

So how do you water orchids? The easiest way is to soak your orchid in a bowl of water once every week or two — when the moss dries out. Unlike most houseplants, you don’t need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot.