Most orchid spikes should be completely cut off. The Phalaenopsis is the only orchid that will rebloom from an old spike. The spike should be cut between the scar left by the first flower and the last node(swollen, jointed area on the stem.) One of the lower nodes may initiate a new spike. This process can take 8-10 weeks.

This is a very common question that really depends on what type of orchid you have. In general, once orchids are finished blooming you can remove the spike with a scissors. If you do not remove the spike, the flower spike will dry up and turn brown over time. There are some orchids that can re-bloom off of the same flower spike more than once. Certain species of Oncidium such as the papilio can bloom off of a broken or cut back spike. See similar questions...

It depends on the condition of the plant and if repotting is truly desperately necessary. The process of producing flowers takes a toll on a plant... it can be pretty stressful. In a healthy plant, this is no big deal and the plant weathers the process with no apparent distress. But in a plant that is somewhat sickly or otherwise less than perfect, throwing up a flower spike may actually be its last gasp -- an effort to pass on its genes before expiring. See similar questions...

The answer to this question depends upon the type of orchid in question. Phalaenopsis plants may flower again for a second time. After the plant goes out of bloom, cut the stem right below the first flower on the spray. A new spray of flowers may emerge from the node below it. For all other orchids, cut off the old flower spike at the base of the plant. See similar questions...

This is an easy question to answer. Either your plant is too young, it isn't happy, it's too "fat," or it doesn't know it's "time" for it to bloom. Unlike your garden flowers that go from a tiny seed to a mature blooming plant in the course of the spring and summer, many orchids like Cattleyas can take as long as 5 years to reach blooming age! Typically, most new orchid owners purchased their orchid in bloom from a local nursery so the plant is obviously old enough to bloom. See similar questions...

When it starts to look too unsightly, cut it off if you want, otherwise just leave it (it will eventually shrink to nothing as the mother plant dies and the pups take over). See similar questions...

The most common reason for any orchid not to bloom is insufficient light. Move your phalaenopsis plants to a window where they will receive strong, but indirect light (near a south-facing window is ideal). You might also try lighting your plants with a fluorescent light fixture placed about 1-2 feet above the foliage. Give up to 12 hours of supplemental light per day. Phalaenopsis will also develop flower spikes in response to a cool period of about four weeks with night temperatures of 55F. See similar questions...

Yes. For the phalaenopsis, cut the wilted stem right above the third node from the bottom. Place the plant in bright, indirect light and continue watering and fertilize with a mix of 20-10-20at half strength every other week. A new stem will regrow and flower again in about 2 months. See similar questions...

Generally speaking, if you are not providing sufficient artificial light, plants need to be close to a window, no more than 3' away at most. Plants see light from above, not sideways, and if you grow your plants too far from a window you will notice new growths becoming smaller and the leaves much narrower. They will not be able to store the energy they need to bloom. Poor root systems are caused by over-watering, or forgetting to repot when the medium is broken down. See similar questions...

In most cases, cut at the base of the spike with a sharp, clean tool. Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only phalaenopsis -- the moth orchid -- will rebloom from its old spike. When most orchids have finished blooming, the spike should be cut off with a sharp and clean blade as close to the base of the spike as is practical. Phalaenopsis will generally rebloom given a little extra care. See similar questions...

BOB: It's important not to remove daffodil leaves since they help the bulb 'recharge' for next year. In Pennsylvania, it's safe to remove the foliage around the 4th of July. Fertilize daffodils with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) when they are finished blooming. See similar questions...

Clyde Robin. Once your flowers have finished blooming, they will normally start to dry up and set their seed for the following year. If you wait till the seed has matured, it will replenish your garden for fresh flowers in the spring. You can check to see if the seed pods are mature by opening one or two of them. If the seeds are brownish or black, or if they have started to harden up, they are OK for cutting. Once cut, you can just leave them on the ground. See similar questions...

Clyde Robin. Once your flowers have finished blooming you can cut them down. Before cutting however, make sure that they have "gone to seed". Look inside the flower part of the plant and see if you can detect tiny seeds. Some flowers will make seed capsules, others will just set seed inside the flower head itself. The seed should be starting to darken in color and should have some hardness to it. If these conditions are present it is time to cut them down. See similar questions...

When the bloom is finished on an iris stalk, use a sharp knife to cut off the stalk about an inch above the rhizome. You should not cut down the green iris leaves (except when transplanting). No, that is not true. Hybrid irises do not change from their original color white. If the iris bed is not properly cared for, the dominant white irises may grow over and choke out the others. See similar questions...

The bloom length for each variety can be different, ranging from many months (phalaenopsis) to 7- 14 days (Cattleya). Consult the "Grower Ron's Orchid Buyer's Guide" for specific blooming information on the variety in question. See similar questions...