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Yes, Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) do lose their flowers after a period of blooming, which is completely natural. Typically, the flowers will last anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months before they begin to fade and fall off. This is part of the orchid’s typical bloom cycle. Once the flowers fall, the orchid enters a dormant or resting phase where it conserves energy and prepares for future blooms.
After the flowers drop, you have a few options with the flower spike (stem). You can choose to cut the spike back to just above a node (a small bump on the stem) if it remains green, as this may encourage the orchid to produce a new flower spike and rebloom. If the spike turns yellow or brown, it’s best to cut it back to the base. Either way, the plant will eventually direct its energy toward growing a new flower spike or developing new leaves and roots.
During this resting period, it’s important to continue caring for the orchid with the right amount of water, light, and humidity to ensure it remains healthy and ready to bloom again. With patience and proper care, your Moth Orchid will bloom multiple times over its lifetime, typically once a year or even more frequently.
Propagate an Orchid From a Flower Stem
Propagating an orchid from a flower stem using keiki paste is a method that encourages the orchid to produce a “keiki,” or a small baby plant, from the flower spike. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose the Right Flower Spike
Look for a healthy, mature flower spike on your Phalaenopsis orchid that still has some green tissue left. The flower spike should be free from any signs of rot or disease, and it should ideally be in the later stages of flowering.
2. Apply Keiki Paste
Keiki paste is a plant hormone (cytokinin) that stimulates the growth of new shoots from nodes on the flower spike. Using a small paintbrush or cotton swab, carefully apply a small amount of keiki paste to a healthy node on the flower spike. A node is a bump on the stem where a leaf, bud, or keiki can form. Apply the paste sparingly, as too much can harm the plant.
3. Wait for the Keiki to Grow
After applying the paste, be patient. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for the keiki to appear. The keiki will start as a small shoot, and over time, it will grow leaves and roots. Make sure the orchid is in a bright, indirect light location and keep it in a stable temperature range to support growth.
4. Separate the Keiki
Once the keiki has developed several roots and a few leaves, it’s ready to be separated from the mother plant. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the keiki off just below the roots. Be sure not to damage the roots during this process.
5. Repot the Keiki
After removing the keiki, repot it in a small orchid pot with appropriate orchid mix. Keep it in a humid environment, and water it lightly until it becomes established. Continue caring for it as you would a mature orchid.
6. Care for the Mother Plant
Don’t forget to care for the mother plant as well! Continue to water it and maintain it in its usual care routine to ensure it stays healthy after propagating.
By using keiki paste, you can successfully propagate your Phalaenopsis orchid and grow a new plant from the flower stem. It’s a fun and rewarding way to expand your orchid collection!
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