This harlequin phalaenopsis will stay in bloom for several months.
Phalaenopsis can be rebloomed from the same
'just-bloomed' spikes by going down to the first node below the
lowest bloom on the spike, and cutting the spike off
about half an inch above this node. This should only be
done on healthy robust plants. Flowering uses a lot of energy
and only a strong plant can bloom again within the same
A few phalaenopsis species by
nature, rebloom on old flowering stems. Flower
stem, or spikes on these should not be cut
off. Examples are Phalaenopsis bellina, cornu-cervi,
fasciatia, hierogylyphica, modesta, and zebrina. These
flowers all tend to
1) be star shaped, 2) have small
lips and 3) bloom on shorter stems near the base of the plant
and are usually barred or striped in darker
Once your moth orchid has bloomed,
you should remove the flowering stem. By this we mean when most of the flowers have
faded. Most phals will continue to bloom from the tips but a long stem with one
flower on the end is not very attractive. Its best to remove the stem and let the
plant put all its energy into producing a new flower stem the following
Use a sharp knife and cut the stem at an angle—that's it! Once
you've made the cut, discard the flowering stem. The remaining stem "stub"
will dry up and fade on its own. Do not attempt to fully remove it, as you'll
probably damage the plant.
An old flower stem
stub (light brown) can be seen to the right on
pictured above. As you can see, a clean cut was
an inch from the base of the plant. Two new
flower spikes can be seen to the left.
Once these have finished flowering, they will be cut off just
above the first node from the base of the plant. The nodes
are encased in a lighter colored sheath that looks
like a white band.
Many phalaenopsis have
been bred to produce branching sprays. Branches will often
develop off the main stem naturally, and its fine to let
these flower and enjoy the blooms!