Where do I cut back my flowering spike when it is finished blooming?
In general, when Phalaenopsis and Doritaenopsis have flowered out, many times they can be made to re-bloom from the same flower stem by breaking off the stem where the first flower was (closest to the plant). A new flower stem may emerge from the node or nodes just below the break, producing new flowers in 2 or 3 months. If you were to remove the flower stem completely, cutting it off with a clean instrument at the bottom near the plant, you would encourage strong plant growth that would support possibly stronger and more floriferous flower stems when the plant does bloom the next time.
When Oncidiums have flowered out, almost all types will have finished blooming on that spike, and the spike should be cut off all the down at the bottom of the spike next to the plant. Always use a clean instrument to cut, either scissors or blade, to prevent spread of disease. Heating the cutting edge of the blade first with a flame is very helpful.

How often do I water my Orchid that is growing in moss?
Moss is becoming increasingly popular as a growing media for Orchids because it retains a uniform moisture level for long periods of time. Your plants should only need to be watered  when the moss is fairly dry throughout the pot; the pot will feel light in weight and the moss will be fairly dry to the touch. Watering may only be needed every couple of weeks.  When watering, be sure to use warm or tepid water and avoid watering with cold water.

How do I fertilize?
Orchids will respond favorably to most any balanced house plant fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 formulation. A concentration at half the house plant recommended rate and a frequency of once a month should be good for general culture.

How can I increase humidity for my orchid in my home?

Try setting your pots on top of wet gravel.  This will raise humidity around the plant, as well as create a nice display for your orchid.  Also, you can try lightly misting your orchid with a spray water bottle.

How and how often should I re-pot my orchid?

Most orchids do well if they are re-potted every two years, just after blooming, when the new growth starts.  Use the type of potting media that you have been successful with in the past.  Moss works well with Phalaenopsis and Oncidium orchids.  Orchids also do well in bark mixes.  For fine-rooted orchids, use a fine grade bark mix.  Most orchids do well in a medium grade bark mix, with the exception of Cattleya orchids, who do best in coarse grade bark mixes.  What is important to remember is that in the wild, most orchids grow on trees.  This means that they are used to having a lot of air around their roots.  So, when re-potting the orchids, do not pack the media in; instead, pack it loosely to allow for optimum plant health.


 For more specific cultural information, see individual plant culture listing.

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