How to Trim a Dead Orchid Spike

General Directions

• 1

  Look for a wilted, brown or yellow stem after the orchid spike has ceased blooming.

• 2

  Inspect the stalk for signs of life. Look for nodes or bumps the display green coloration or a tiny set of sprouting leaves and roots that are the start of a new plant. Leave the spike until the new growth sprouts healthy roots and is properly removed from the orchid for transplanting. Remove the stalk if there is no sign of life.

• 3

  Apply alcohol to a clean cloth and wipe it on your razor blade or sharp cutting tool, being careful not to cut yourself. Trim off the dead orchid spike with the sterilized tool, making the cut an inch above the bottom of the stalk.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

• 4

  Inspect the Phalaenopsis orchid spike that has stopped flowering, is wilted or appears dead. Look for any nodes or nodules.

• 5

  Exammine the nodes for green tissue that indicates this area of the spike is still alive.

• 6

  Count the top three nodules on the spike that have a show of green color.

• 7

  Cut off the top of the spike, a half-inch above the top node you counted.

• 8

  Cut the entire spike from the plant if the leaves are wilted or are only 3 to 4 inches long, according to the Beautiful Orchids website. This gives the Phalaenopsis orchid a chance to rejuvenate.