Art, Jr. writes a question and answer column for the Flair section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. His column appears on various Saturdays during the year. Use the email link above to send him your questions. The three best questions will be answered here and in the next installment in Flair. Click here for the archives.

Flair Column, July, 2002

Question:

Where should the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) flower stem be cut off after it finished blooming?

Answer:

The plant is most appreciative of removing the stem near the base of the leaves as soon as the last flowers fade.

If the flower stem is cut only half way down, sometimes the plant will immediately try to flower again – an existing ‘node’ on the stem will swell up and a secondary flower stem will emerge. However, asking the plant to bloom a second time in a season is unfair – it takes a great deal of energy out of the plant at precisely the time it should be growing new leaves and roots in preparation for next year’s blooming. The result is a few unimpressive blooms in the summer and, perhaps, no flowers at all next year.

Question:

What ever happened to the "corsage orchid" of the 1950's?

Answer:

The Cattleya orchid corsage was all the rage here in the U.S. for several decades and is still seen today but in a very different form. Fashion styles come and go and this very large (7" across) frilly flower is now found as a potted plant adorning a windowsill or sunroom. Though the flowers are relatively short lived (2-3 weeks), the cattleya is usually the favorite of any orchid collector and the fragrance is unforgettable. In fact, most U.S. First Ladies have had Cattleya orchids named in their honor.

Question:

What should be done with Dendrobium canes if they lose all their leaves? Will they ever bloom again?

Answer:

It is not uncommon for older canes (or pseudobulbs) to lose their leaves especially if the plant is quite mature. These canes may be unsightly but, since they are capable of sending out a new flower stem AT ANY TIME, never cut them off. The Dendrobium orchid prefers filtered sun and normally grows at least one new cane a year . If the plant is particularly happy, multiple (2-6) flower stems may occur at the same time each having dozens of perfectly shaped 2" flowers. Hawaiians have used the flowers for years to make leis.

© The Baldwin Image 2003