Post a reply

Avatar for Plugsy5
Dec 11, 2021 6:10 AM CST
Thread OP
Ireland
This is one of my Older orchids. It's doing beautifully, but I'm concerned it's stem is getting weighty. While I have many orchids I haven't had any that have gotten quite as large as this one. Should I leave it, or is there something I should be doing?

I'd appreciate any advice anyone has to offer?

Many thanks
Thumb of 2021-12-11/Plugsy5/109946


Thumb of 2021-12-11/Plugsy5/41bc7a


Thumb of 2021-12-11/Plugsy5/4db900
Image
Dec 11, 2021 6:25 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
There is nothing wrong with the orchid, a Phalaenopsis by the way, but at some point it will need to be repotted.
As some Phalaenopsis mature and get older, they produce bigger bloom spikes. These spikes can carry more and more flowers. This is a sign of a happy and healthy orchid. I am sure therefore you really do not want it to be unhappy or unhealthy and flower less. That would not be cool, right?!
You are failing to do one thing, as the bloom spike develops it needs to be staked properly and correctly. And you might want to invest in a few taller support stakes. Other then that, I would just enjoy it.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Image
Dec 11, 2021 12:19 PM CST
Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost
Garden Sages Plant Identifier
Beautiful orchid! As BigBill says: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Hilarious!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org
Avatar for Plugsy5
Dec 11, 2021 12:24 PM CST
Thread OP
Ireland
BigBill, Thank you very much for your response! I shall take you advice, and do my best! Thank You!
Image
Dec 11, 2021 12:28 PM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Region: Ukraine Region: United States of America Bird Bath, Fountain and Waterfall Region: Florida Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Birds Butterflies Bee Lover Hummingbirder Container Gardener
Hi Plugsy5, Welcome! to the site!

What a beautiful Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) I agree with the advice given and I'd just gently insert a taller stake to clip the bloom stem to.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!


Image
Dec 12, 2021 11:36 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
You are welcome!
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Image
Dec 15, 2021 12:52 PM CST
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Just my opinion here, and another option to the good advice offered by others above. In the "wild" the natural habit of these orchids is to grow attached to the trunks and branches of trees, with their leaves down, and the flowers naturally cascade downwards as well.

When you repot your orchid (preferably after all those lovely flowers are finished) you might consider potting it as a hanging plant with the crown on a slant, and the leaves hanging over the edges of the pot. This is good for the plant as they usually have the light coming from one side when grown indoors so it's easy to 'face' it towards the light. On a culture note, it's also a very good idea not to let any water sit in the cup of the leaves, so when they're in their natural orientation this doesn't happen.

Whatever you're doing, keep doing it as far as care and culture, and remember you do not need to cover or bury all those beautiful healthy roots. Phals love to have their roots out waving in the air and they will adhere to a clay pot, or a wood basket or most things you pot them in. Here's one of mine with wild roots all over. I'm in Florida so this is a preferred way to grow these here, as they drain well and dry out nicely in our summer monsoon rains and high humidity.
Thumb of 2021-12-15/dyzzypyxxy/0b0398
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
Avatar for Plugsy5
Dec 16, 2021 1:32 AM CST
Thread OP
Ireland
Dyzzypyxxy thank you. That's all very informative, and interesting. Thank You!
Only the members of the Members group may reply to this thread.
  • Started by: Plugsy5
  • Replies: 7, views: 401
Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Ruffled Ruby"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.