Does An Orchid Grow New Stems?

Phalaenopsis orchids have roots and spikes that begin as tiny green shoots, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Aerial roots, which grow off the main stem of monopodial orchids, are easy to identify and can be found dangling from nodes along the primary vertical stem. To make an orchid grow a new spike, plant the division in orchid medium in a new pot just large enough to accommodate its size, place the pot in indirect light, and lightly spray the potting mix and stems daily but do not add water.

Orchids usually grow their new spikes up to twice a year, but many people uproot the orchids once the spikes stop growing. If you have a keiki growing on your houseplant, you can either cut it off so the moisture, nutrients, and energy can go straight to the parent plant or allow a new one to eventually grow as long as the orchid is in good condition otherwise. It can depend on the type of plant, but two phals for about a year now have each bloomed twice in that time.

Orchids can grow new stems, either by propagating a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings or by dividing a cattleya’s rhizomes. While it is not technically possible to force an orchid to grow a new flower spike, providing the right conditions to induce blooming can help.

Phalaenopsis orchids often send up new leaves and roots shortly before producing a new flower stalk, so within 2-3 months new growth will appear and buds will form. Younger or weaker plants may not re-bloom.

In a Phalaenopsis orchid, both roots and spikes are usually green when they begin to emerge, making it harder to distinguish the two.