Expert: Wayne King - 6/19/2009

Question
Hi Wayne...I bought one of these in April, with 4 active flowering spikes. They are now starting to die. I had it in an East facing window, and recently moved to a west facing window. It is planted in a mossy medium. Anything you think I should be doing differently. Once all flowers have died on a spike, is there a particular way or place I should  cut it? Anything you can share on this would be appreciated.

many thanks

Jonathan

Answer
Jonathan, I recommend that you cut off the flower spikes at their point of origin on the plant and repot your plant into a standard orchid potting mix (has fir bark, perlite, etc).  I would summer it out in a semishaded location and then you can move it back to either an east or west window.  It likes some sunshine during the morning and/or late afternoon.  After repotting it, water once per week. When there is new growth, start feeding with each watering (1/4 tsp per gallon).  Be sure the pot you use for repotting has lots of drainage holes in the base and/or side.