Talkback: How to grow orchids

Hello Olive,

Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids are epiphytic in the wild. Basically that means that they grow above ground in trees, rather than in soil on the ground. That is why the roots are greenish, and like to be exposed to the light, through a clear plastic, or glass pot. Although I have been told not to cut off the flowering shoots on moth orchids when they finish, some of mine turned brown and died this year, so I had to cut them off. As lilwead says, if you cut the stem just above the node where the last flower was, the stem should remain alive, and hopefully produce new flowers in a few months.

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team

I've tried the stem cutting back to a healthy node, kept it in the bathroom under the sky light and recently started to feed it with an orchid feed. I've been waiting for more than 2years for a result!!  However the plant,(& ariel roots) are looking healthy and robust so a bit more patience.....  I was given another phalaenopsis that was looking quite stressed, the leaves drooped after a day and still are 6 months on but it's still in flower to my amazement.  I read that while it is still in flower to nip the ends of each stem so as i thought it wouldnt survive because of the leaves i did this and now have lots of new bud stems forming.  It's vital to do this before the flowers fall, will upload a photo if luck continues

I was advised to just trim the stem on one of mine as I normally cut it down after flowering. I was delighted to find a new bud appearing shortly after and am now enjoying this plants second flush of lovely flowers. You know what I will be doing again......

Hello Anne,

How exciting, you have what is called a keiki! These are baby orchids that grow on the stems of a mother plant. You can grow a new plant from this, but let it produce a root system and leaves before you cut it off the mother plant and pot it up.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

Hi

Does anyone have any advice on how it is best to water an orchid and how often?

Water when it's dry - look at the roots around the outside of the pot. If they don't look green and vibrant, then water. You will find that it's between every 2-3 weeks.

Thank you Alina W, just to clarify should I use tap water or rain water and should it be room temperature or not?

Thank you for your patience only I lost my 1st orchid and don't want a repeat performance.

JUNE BAYNHAM wrote (see)

poinsetta

What about it

hello, I think you have the problem because of the white mold. You repotting the plant. But look here at first, good luck, ThaiGer

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