I have a large 4 stem phalaenopsis orchid that has 4 stems, it has just finished blooming and i'm not sure if i should be cutting back the stems or not...i've researched this but can't seem to get a straight answer...
any help would be great
thanks,
X

The answer is that "it depends!" If the stems (which are called inflorescences)are still green then cut them back to the second or third spot where there were flowers that dropped off. Some Phals will send out side shoots and rebloom for you this way. If the inflorescences are starting to turn yellow, then cut them back as close to the bottom as you can. Whenever you cut them back, dust on some plain cinnamon powder to prevent rot. This is also the time of year to start setting Phals in a cool environment to encourage them to bloom for next year. See the "Fall Tips" article.

I did as directed, on the phalenopsis I have at home. The first time I did this, the orchid produced a second beautiful, yet smaller spray of flowers. Then it sent up a second flower stalk, which also bloomed.
Once these had both finished, I repotted the orchid, as the roots had completely filled the plastic clear pot. However, unable to find a pot of a slightly larger size, I planted it in a tall cylindrical glass vase, with large, round brick-pebbles at the bottom, supporting the bark potting medium. The vase is about a foot deep, with the top 6" occupied by the orchid, the lower portion by these brick-spheres. very picturesque!
Anyway, both flower stems have now sprouted new shoots.
How long should the roots on these new shoots/plantlets be before I attempt to pot them on?
And the orchid base itself seems to be climbing out of the bark potting medium, and appears to have more roots exposed than in the vase - !! But it seems very happy, nonetheless!

Sounds like you're doing everything right! You can cut off and plant your babies (keikis) when the roots have gotten to be about an inch and a half long.

I love orchids - they are definitely fool proof. I've had a cheap little orchid I bought at Home Depot on a whim...8 years ago that is like the little engine that could. I don't think it matters what you do - just personal preference. New green shoots seem to always come up from the base - if the old shoot is there and brown, or if it is cut off. That's my experience.

Where on the Orchid should I dust it with cinnamon?

You should dust the 'cut' with cinnamon powder. I also find that a small dab of triple anti-biotic ointment will also protect the cut from infection. You should always use a sterile instrument to make the cut and never use the same instrument to work on another orchid without sterlizing it first...don't want to cross contaminate..

Hope this helps,
AL

after flowering i cut stems down now i have leaves not flower buds
what have i done wrong

after flowering i cut stems down now i have leaves not flower buds
what have i done wrong

Hi Brad, What you have is the beginning of a baby orchid plant a ' 'Keiki' . These leaves will eventually grow roots and after they are about three inches long, you can remove the baby from the 'mother' plant and pot it up. You will have two identical plants. Be sure to label the plant the same as the mother. Congratulations.

Cheers,
BD