Why Spikes Die on Orchids

Types of Orchids That Bloom Once Per Spike

• Many types of orchids only bloom once per spike. After the final flower on the spike has fallen, the spike will begin to turn brown and dry. Let this happen before removing the spike. The plant is pulling the nutrients out of it, and you don't want to waste that stored energy. Some of the orchid types that fall into this category include oncidiums, zygopetalums, miltonia, most slipper orchids, cymbidiums and some dendrobiums.

Phalaenopsis Can Bloom More Than Once Per Spike

• The phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, can bloom multiple times per stem. It can produce side branches or extend the spike. Multi-floral phals, as well as some species of phalaenopsis, branch and bloom heavily, so it is not wise to cut the spike back. For most hybrid phals, the common wisdom is to cut the spike halfway down its length, just above one of the nodes after the last flower has fallen.

Sequential Blooming Paphiopedilums Bloom More Than Once Per Spike

• A few of the lady slipper orchids are sequential bloomers. This means that they put out one blossom at a time but do so sequentially over a period of a year or more on the same flower spike. The paphiopedilum Pinocchio and the paph Salvador Dali are two fine examples of sequential bloomers. Usually, by the time the flower spike is exhausted, a new growth and spike have matured to take its place.

Deciduous Dendrobium Orchids Look Dead But Aren't

• The spikes or canes on some types of dendrobium orchids are deciduous. At certain times of the year they will drop all their leaves and appear to be dead. Just as a leafless oak tree in the fall will leaf out again when the time is right, these canes will come back and flower again. The key with these dendrobiums is not to panic and throw them out.