In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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January 17, 2008

The fall and rise of orchid flowers

Q: Once the orchid flowers fall off the stem, do I cut the stem off?
Pam, Vacaville

A: You don’t say what sort of orchid you have, but I’m going to assume it’s a phaelanopsis since they are blooming this time of year. They're dependable, easy to grow, and the flowering stems can last for months. I like the elegance of the flowers, and the way the stems arch gracefully.

According to Joan Coulat of Capital Nursery, cut the stem down to the first node after all the flowers have fallen off. Then run your forefinger and thumb up the stem. If you feel any swollen spots, those are likely nodes that will send up another flowering stem. If the stem is smooth, no bumps, then it is finished blooming and can be cut to soil level.

Coulat offers this tip for getting orchids to rebloom: They need some chilling, and all you need to do is put them on a cool windowsill for a couple of weeks. Continue to feed and water the plant.

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