cutting Epi spike

[brit6v]

Hello everyone,
I only have one Epidendrum that I've had for three years and this year it bloomed. It has been blooming for quite awhile and has recently dropped some blooms, so I assume it's nearing the end of it's cycle. Two questions, please:

When is the best time to cut the spike?

Where should I cut it?

I would appreciate your advice,
Vicki

[coeruleo]

i don't cut them ever. the center of the tip may still be producing new buds. i have had some bloom for years at a time. if the very tip turns brown and dead, just cut off the dead portion, as the little nodes at the stem segment joints can produce side branches, and usually do after the main stem, stops. or, they could also produce a keiki (baby plant) that you can eventually detach and plant by itself, or int he same pot with its mother.

[brit6v]

Thank you...this is very interesting. I honestly haven't looked closely above/inside the bloom cluster, but I did after I read your post a few minutes ago and saw the small buds you are speaking of.

Thanks again...I appreciate your advice,
Vicki

i don't cut them ever. the center of the tip may still be producing new buds. i have had some bloom for years at a time. if the very tip turns brown and dead, just cut off the dead portion, as the little nodes at the stem segment joints can produce side branches, and usually do after the main stem, stops. or, they could also produce a keiki (baby plant) that you can eventually detach and plant by itself, or int he same pot with its mother.

[eircsmith]

If you want to keep Epidendrium plant tidy then, remove the old flower spikes and stems; down to the base by snapping them clean with your finger or cutting with some sterile clippers.

[stateless]

Coeruelo gives good advice, I remove old flowers and any part of the stem that has turned brown. This is one of the reasons I love these plants, they just keep going and going, my radicans has blooms almost all year.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I sometime end up breaking them off - but not intentionally!! hahah.. I have one similar to this one in bloom now and was thinking of cutting the flowers off to bring inside since the plant is way to tall to bring inside now.

cheers,
BD