Richard Cline wrote:

I have a couple phalaenopsis that i enjoy very much. One has just
dropped its last blossom. I assume the next step is to cut the stem
back close to the bottom.
How close should I cut?


Personally, I would cut it about an inch from the base. Use a
clean, sharp knife or scissors.

Should I repot at this time?


Sure. Now is a great time. Remember not to put it back into a pot
that is too big, the smaller the pot the better.

What should I look for next to indicate that the plant is healthy?



When it is out of the pot, examine the roots. Healthy phal roots
are plump, firm, and white. If you have a bunch of mushy black roots
(you will have a few, everybody does), then you are watering too much or
waited far too long to repot. As the plant is in your care, the newest
leaves, when mature, should be as big or bigger than the previous leaf.
The true test is getting the plants to bloom again, if you can do that,
then you are well on your way to orchid addiction.

Thanks for any advice.



That's what we are here for...

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
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