Moth Orchid cutting back

Hello All

I've had a moth orchid since the spring and it has flowered very well. First time I've had one. The flowers have now wilted (end of season I imagine) and I've been looking on the net about what to do. Suggestions vary from cutting the main stem just above the highest yet to flower node or just above the lowest node on the stem.
I know they like warmth in winter so in this house I'm not sure it will survive but ...

Can anyone say which is best for a beginner?

Thanks.

 

I leave mine be and wait to see if the stem withers or starts to bloom again. If it withers and dies then cut it back as close to the leaves as possible.
As far as temps go most Phals are very tolerant. The one thing that they really do loathe is a cool draught.

 

Thanks longk, I'll just tidy up the last withering flowers and wait to see what happens as you suggest. So far the plant in general looks very healthy.
Cheers.

 

Hi

Long time no hear from

I leave the stems on and just trim the old part off if ? dead , put in the coolest room in the house but not draughty as longk as mentioned let it have a rest for about 6 weeks keep on the dry side and then give a good soak in 6 weeks time for 30 mins let it drain away and it should start back into flower soon after

Spruce

 

Just found out a moth orchid is a phal

They come from a steady climate so dont actually need a resting period, I find.

I grow a few in the conservatory and they are just coming up to mass flowering now, in summer they dont flower that much, I think its too warm.
I usually cut back flowered stems to the next joint down.

 

Thanks for that @Spruce and @pete I shall tend it carefully and hope for the best.
And thanks for the nice sentiment, yes I have been MIA for a while, had a bit of a wallow in a protracted blue period. Hope you are both well.
GG

 

I cut my phalaenopsis back a couple of months ago, as you can see it has now started growing again and a new leaf is coming as well!

 

Thanks Val, somehow a picture really helps with these things.
I noticed that the top 1/3rd was going yellowy and looked on the internet and snipped above the highest healthy node so hope it will look as healthy as yours once it gets going again.

Thanks
GG

 

As long as you cut it above a node it doesn't matter which one!! I just run water though the wood chips (which mine is planted in) once a week.

 

Orchids....I have six Phals. One which is several years old and still comes on every year with wonderful flowers. February now and they starting to flower again. they live in a North facing window most of the year and are brought into the room during the winter or get put in an u heated bedroom or the conservatory. During most of the year they get a feed of blossom or leaf feed depending on state of growth every seven days which I stretch to about 10 days during the winter. They get placed in the bath in their pots and the feed is added. They soak for 30 minutes and then I drain for 30 before putting them back in the pots. I cut stem to the bottom when finished flowering. I like to encourage the plant to grow a new leaf between plant stem growing. Not sure how inportant it is but I also treat the cut stem with Cinnamon, it supposed to cut down the risk of infection. Oh yes. I feed for three sessions and forth is a plain water feed. This is supposed to remove any salts left behind by the liquid feed. I also wipe the leaves during feeding with a damp paper towel. that's how Intreat my orchids, right or wrong it seems to be working for me. I shall post some pictures in awhile when a few more flower are open.

 

Crikey! Mine survive and bloom on neglect

 

I have heard a few folk say the same. Maybe it,s me being over the top a tad..!

 

I bet yours bloom longer and have more flowers though....

 

No..............

I agree with Spruce!

 

I had one in the summer which bloomed and is alive but has been sulking ever since- nit even a new leaf.
It's a west facing window- perhaps too much direct sunlight and draught?
My sister in law has one on a hallway table and it's amazing, loads of new stalks and flowers. So jealous!