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Talkback: How to grow orchids
I was expecting some advice on how far back to trim the shoots that have finished flowering.
I was also wondering if you might comment on the use of glass or transparent plastic pots - I've read somewhere that light helps root development by promoting the growth of a symbiotic micro-organism. True / not true?
I was also wondering if you might comment on the use of glass or transparent plastic pots - I've read somewhere that light helps root development by promoting the growth of a symbiotic micro-organism. True / not true?
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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 always have about 8 in flower and another 12 resting or just starting sending up a new stem.
I have stop buying fresh flowers because you can get an orchid for £6.00 and it would last 6 months or more..
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