Flowering orchids make wonderful gifts and thousands are sold every Christmas. The moth orchids, (Phalaenopsis orchids) are particularly easy to grow and the flowers last for weeks on end. Don’t throw the plant out when it has finished flowering, with some careful pruning, your plant will grow fresh new flower spikes and flower several times each year.
Step 1
While your orchids are still in flower take a careful look at the stem, there are nodes or eyes down the whole length of the flower stem. Before the current flowers on your orchid have all died back, and when the sap is still flowing in the stem find the highest unflowered node on the same stalk. This is where, once the flowers have died, you will need to cut to remove the dead flowers above and to encourage a new stem to form.
Step 2
When the last flowers on the spike have died it’s time to act. Cut the flower stem off above this node with sharp secateurs and then move the whole plant into a cooler room. Feed your plant with a flowering, indoor plant food like Plantsmith Nurturing Orchid Feed & Tonic or mist the leaves with a special orchid mister like Plantsmith Invigorating Orchid Care Mist.
Step 3
Keep an eye on the plant; the node will start to swell and produce a side branch with more flower buds. This is the signal to move your plant back into a prominent position in the house so you can enjoy the second flush of flowers.
When this stem has finished flowering repeat by cutting the main stem above the next unflowered node. You can continue in this way until the base of the stem is reached or if it fails to rebloom.
Step 4
When there are no more nodes to flower you can cut off the stem at the base and wait for a new flowering stem to grow. Feed your plant with a dedicated orchid plant food to encourage strong healthy growth and flowers.
Don’t forget that a good care regime will keep your orchid plants healthy and generate a new flush of flowers. The award winning Plantsmith range includes Nurturing Orchid Feed & Tonic and Invigorating Orchid Care Mist. These are a great way to keep your orchids in tip top condition. If you are giving an orchid plant as a gift, then add a Plantsmith Orchid Care Gift Cracker that contains a bottle of each in lovely gift packaging. It’s the perfect way to complete a gift.
