Xref: kermit rec.gardens.orchids:60167

I have just cut the spike of one of my orchids to give the plant a better
chance at recovering. The flowers on this spike are quite beautiful and I
would like to enjoy them as long as possible.

Any advise on how to treat a cut Phal orchid spike so that it does not wilt
for as long as possible?

I assume that changing the water in the vase frequently would be a good
thing, but how frequently?

Should I add fertilizer to the water? Should I add anything else to the
water?

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that it is good to keep scraping the
bottom of the flower stem when changing the water, or something like that?
Is that correct?

Does light matter to a cut spike?

Thanks,
Joanna

Treat them as any other flowers:

Recut the stalk under water, and that's it.

I have heard that adding aspirin to the water helps, but I've no experience to share...

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"J Fortuna" wrote in message
...
I have just cut the spike of one of my orchids to give the plant a better
chance at recovering. The flowers on this spike are quite beautiful and I
would like to enjoy them as long as possible.

Any advise on how to treat a cut Phal orchid spike so that it does not wilt
for as long as possible?

I assume that changing the water in the vase frequently would be a good
thing, but how frequently?

Should I add fertilizer to the water? Should I add anything else to the
water?

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that it is good to keep scraping the
bottom of the flower stem when changing the water, or something like that?
Is that correct?

Does light matter to a cut spike?

Thanks,
Joanna