Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. Do not cut the stem until it is fully dry. Cut Back the Orchid Flower Spike After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Let the plant pull all the nutrients back out of the stem before you remove it. If water gets trapped in between the leaves, dry them quickly by using a piece of tissue or a cotton ball. Try to avoid placing the ice on the orchid roots, crown and leaves. How to Water an Orchid with Ice Cubes. Water your orchid early in the morning. If water gets trapped in between the leaves, dry them quickly by using a piece of tissue or a cotton ball. When watering your orchids, take care to avoid wetting the leaves. They indulge us with their beauty for weeks, sometimes months. Caring for Orchids After Flowering. Just be … Don’t allow excess water to sit at the base of the plant. This encourages bacterial and fungal diseases. Orchids are a wonderful plant to gift to your loved ones but let's be honest, they have a reputation for being difficult to keep alive. After flowering, the foliage growth will eventually stop. By doing this, a new side shoot should emerge from this node. Orchids: Cutting the Spike for More ... stalk, not the pseudobulbs. Even though it is not flowering, it has the same nutritional needs. Watering at night: No matter what kind of orchid you grow, always water in the morning. This will prevent the plant from re-flowering on that stem, which takes energy that it may not have. Phalaenopsis Orchids. Phalaneopsis, Paphiopedilums and Vanda orchids don’t have pseudobulbs, but most other orchids do. If you do, dry the leaves with a paper towel so that no water is left sitting on them. After you’ve watered it, empty the tray and let the plant completely dry between waterings. After orchids stop flowering, they need a rest period before they resume flower production. When you water your orchid, it’s a good idea to soak the roots but don’t let water sit between the leaves. If you have a type of orchid that does not have water-storing organs, such as phalaenopsis or paphiopedilums, you should water the orchid before it is entirely dry. Some orchids have water-storing organs, and some do not. Hope that helps! Water, mist and fertilize your orchid as usual. On other types of orchids, the stem will progressively turn brown and dry after the bloom cycle is complete. Once Your Orchids Have Flowered Once your orchid has bloomed, the flowering stem (also know as 'scape' or 'spike') will usually need to be removed. Don't throw it away just yet. Place 2-3 ice cubes on the orchid potting medium.