How to Make an Orchid Grow Another Stem

Prune all orchids after the flowers fade and fall off. This pruning parallels deadheading in other flowering plants and encourages new flower stalk growth or blooms.

Cut the stem on Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids halfway down, or 1 inch above the last unused joint. These orchids produce new growth and blooming from the nodes on healthy stalks. If the stalk dies, cut it off at its base.

Cut the stems of Cymbidium and Oncidicum orchids at their base. These orchids must grow another flower stalk for reblooming. Don't cut into the crown of the plant, as that may damage future growth.

Feed the orchids with phosphorous-heavy bloom booster fertilizer like 20-20-20 to encourage new growth and repeat blooming. Mix water-soluble fertilizer with water at one-quarter the manufacturer-recommended rate to avoid burning the plant, then water as usual.