How Much Do I Trim The Stem on an orchid?

[Cory Black]

Hello everyone. One of my plants has just lost it's blooms. How close to the leaves do I trim the stem to promote new growth?

-Cory

[pk93]

Im not sure how close your supposed to trim the spike, but i would let the spike dry out before cutting it, as the spike may branch and bloom further.. Just my 2 cents, hopefully someone more experienced in phalaenopsis orchids (what I assume you are referring to) will have more to offer

[Raver]

if you want to cut the spike, cut it about 1 inch from the base of the plant or you can always let it dry off first then cut it off. if you decide to cut it off, treat the cut with a fungicide or cinnamon.

[kiwiorchids]

If it is a phal, cut it two nodes from the base, that is the general guideline and seems to be no harm. Otherwise, about an inch away or as close as possible i suppose. Treat if you feel you need to, i never do.

[Cory Black]

It is a phal, I forgot to mention that. Thanks for the help everyone!

-Cory
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[taiping orchid]

Actually, for orchids, we don't trim or cut the stem to promote new shoots especially for monopodials like phalaenopsis. When the blooms wilted, cut off the dry spikes. For Phalaenopsis apply fertilizer and water as usual. For sympodials we can split the bulbs to propagate but the plants must be healthy and strong.

[Cory Black]

How l long should it take for the spikes to dry up? The blooms have fallen off a while ago. One the spikes dried right away but the other one is still nice and green.
-Cory
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[Brutal_Dreamer]

Some will stay green for a very long time. I recommend cutting spikes off after flowers drop to encourage plant and root development.

Cheers,
BD