Where do I cut the flower spike when it is finished?

The answer to this question depends upon what genus you are growing and whether there are unused nodes on your flower spike. There are generally three types of orchid flowering habits.

Large Phalaenopsis (the moth orchids) can rebloom or create a keiki (Keiki is Hawaiian for baby and these are new plantlets that might grow along the spike instead of a flower) on an existing flower spike.  These spikes will tend to create a new flowering inflorescence if you cut them just above an unused node. If there are unused nodes on your flower spike, cut above the second node on the spike, but below any dried, brown, yellowish-brown, or dead-looking part of the stem.

This will give you the best chance for the formation of a strong secondary branch and multiple flowers. If there are no unused nodes, you should cut your flower spike as close to the bottom as possible.

Keep in mind that having the plant produce a second inflorescence of flowers might stress the plant and the flowering is typically smaller and not as strong as the original, so you’d only want to do this if the plant is strong and healthy enough to carry a second blooming. Giving the plant a chance to recover and strengthen itself for the next regular blooming is often a better option.

The so-called novelty Phalaenopsis with star-shaped flowers and short, sometimes branched inflorescences flower repeatedly from the tip of the spike and branches. These should not be cut as long as they remain green, as they will flower repeatedly from that same spike. So, you’ll want to leave them alone until it is clear that they are done and are turning brown.

A few orchids will flower repeatedly from the same spike, and these should not be cut until they are done. Examples of this type include Psychopsis (butterfly orchids) and some dendrobiums. 

Most genera flower only once from a spike and after flowering the spike will dry up and can be removed where it joins the plant. Examples include most of the Cattleya Alliance and Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids).

Here is some further information about nodes that you might find helpful.  A node on an orchid is an area where meristem cells are present. Meristem cells in plants are similar to stem cells in humans and can develop into whatever the plant needs: leaves, roots, flower spikes, branches on an existing flower spike, flowers, or keikis. These nodes are protected by a small triangular flap of plant tissue called a bract. Once something grows at a node, the meristem cells are used up and nothing more will grow from there. Also, when something grows from a node, the bract is pushed away from the flower spike. Notice in the photo below that the top node has been used and its bract is sticking out away from the flower spike. Nothing else will grow from here. In contrast, look at the bottom two nodes. The bracts on these are laying flush with the flower spike. These nodes could be capable of having something grow from them.

A video of cutting a Phalaenopsis flower spike can be found here: Where to Cut a Phalaenopsis Spike - American Orchid Society (aos.org)

If you’ve found this discussion useful, check out the rest of our Orchid Care Section: Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (aos.org)

For AOS members, there are several webinars ( Webinars - American Orchid Society (aos.org) ) and magazine articles ( Webinars - American Orchid Society (aos.org)) that talk about Phalaenopsis orchids and their care. If you’re not a member, why not consider joining us – we’d love to have you be a part of our family!! Join the AOS for Exclusive Member Benefits and Savings