How to keep these orchids growing each year

[smurfchops]

I've got one of those gorgeous orchids, the type that are trendy at the moment, the tall ones that bend over to the side with large round flowers that last for months. Is there any way I can get the plant to grow flowers again next year ? The flowers eventually drop off around August, it seems such a shame to throw it away. Do I water/feed it during the winter / cut down the stem .. or what ??

[welshlibranr]

I cut the flower stalk back after flowering, and water mine but not too often, I feed it with special orchid food from the garden centre, and it's survived!...............I've had it for nearly four years now.................hope this helps................

[4getmenot]

You mean a pot plant orchid? I got one for moving in gift, You are supposed to cut off just above the little notch one up from pot and will reflower next time

[4getmenot]

this man will tell you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABXOpzwe3Wo

[rowanwitch]

I've got mine flowering every year for 4 years best year two main stems both with branches anda total of 31 flowers. I have mine on the kitchen windowsill above the sink to keep the humidity up a bit...and every time I clean out the fish tank I soak it in some of the water from the tank...basically dilute fish wee/poo solution...its great for everything houseplant wise... the roots actually get moisture from the air but modern homes are npt really humid enough.... they like the company of other plants for the same reason...

[shivvy]

I have become a bit addicted to these damn plants! I was given my first one which was just beautiful. Then I bought another because it was such a lovely and different colour. Since then I have gathered about 6 or 7 of them - often when they are discounted in shops because they have stopped flowering.
My brother told me that they don't mind being treated quite badly (which suits me fine!) He said that they thrive on being overwatered and then droughted for a while - and it seems to work a trick for mine. They sit on a window and get loads of water when I remember but often go without. They thrive, bud and flower the very best.
Some seem to only want to flower every other year but others sprout at all sorts of times. The result is that the window always has some colour - and before you know it the cheapo ones have thrown out sprouts and are flowering again!

[smurfchops]

Sorry, how low do you cut the stalk back ? Lower than the bottom of where they were flowering ? And do you feed and water them in the winter / or when they have stopped flowering ? Having trouble opening the Youtube link but will keep trying.

[AlBags]

You mist spray with soft water frequently. The aerial/basal roots absorb what the plant needs. They will even grow happily without any compost of fertiliser. Watch out for mealy bug and whooly aphid problems if in a window.

[rowanwitch]

The stems have little lumpy bits or nodes find the one nearest the bottom flower and go down the stem to the next one down and cut just above it...