spike cut after bloom on Phalaenopsis Orchid
Quick answer
If your Phalaenopsis Orchid has spike cut after bloom, the most likely cause is: The flower spike (stem) of a Phalaenopsis orchid can be cut after all flowers have dropped. The timing and location of the cut determines whether the orchid will produce a rebloom from the same spike. A green, healthy spike can potentially produce secondary blooms (keiki) from nodes along the stem, while a yellowing or dried spike should be removed at the base to redirect the plant's energy to root and leaf development.
Start here:
- 1. After flowers drop, examine the spike: if still green and firm, the spike may produce more blooms or keiki (baby orchids)
- 2. To encourage rebloom from same spike: cut just above the first node (swollen bump) below where the lowest flower was
Why Phalaenopsis Orchid gets spike cut after bloom
The flower spike (stem) of a Phalaenopsis orchid can be cut after all flowers have dropped. The timing and location of the cut determines whether the orchid will produce a rebloom from the same spike. A green, healthy spike can potentially produce secondary blooms (keiki) from nodes along the stem, while a yellowing or dried spike should be removed at the base to redirect the plant's energy to root and leaf development.
How to reverse spike cut after bloom on Phalaenopsis Orchid
- 1
After flowers drop, examine the spike: if still green and firm, the spike may produce more blooms or keiki (baby orchids)
- 2
To encourage rebloom from same spike: cut just above the first node (swollen bump) below where the lowest flower was
- 3
The orchid may produce a new branch or small secondary blooms from this node within 2-3 months
- 4
If spike yellows or browns (indicating it is dying back): cut at the base, 1 inch above the crown
- 5
Use sterile scissors or knife for cutting; apply cinnamon to cut surface as antifungal precaution
- 6
A yellowing spike will not recover - cutting it redirects the plant's energy to new growth
- 7
Keiki (baby orchids) can form on old spikes: look for small plantlets with roots developing at nodes
- 8
Keiki can be removed and potted separately once roots are 2-3 inches long and have 3-4 leaves
Keep spike cut after bloom off this Phalaenopsis Orchid
Monitor the spike after flowers drop - if it remains green and healthy for more than 4-6 weeks, secondary blooms may emerge.