Where On Orchids Do Flowers Bloom?

In Phalaenopsis orchids, both roots and spikes begin as tiny green shoots, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Orchid blooms have different parts, such as the outermost flower parts (dorsal sepal and lateral sepals), the innermost part of the flower, and a slender Oncidium spike. The life cycle of an orchid can be divided into six stages: seed germination, root growth, leaf production, flower spike growth, blooming, and dormancy.

Orchid nodes are triangular growth nodules that form an elevated budge on the flower spike where new growth can occur. New stems, buds, or flower spikes may develop from older orchid nodes. When the plant finishes its blooming cycle and enters its rest stage, it needs to direct all of its energy to the root system to keep it alive and healthy.

After bloom care, most orchid species and varieties start with removing the flowering spike at the base. However, the common phaleanopsis or moth orchid is an exception. Orchid flower spikes are usually greener than roots and have a flatter, mitten-shaped tip. They usually emerge from between the plant’s leaves rather than from the center. If the flower spike is a healthy green color, one option is to find the node just below the lowest flower and prune it about an inch above the node. Some believe it is best to cut off the stem entirely at the base where it comes out of the leaves, as it will bloom again in several months.

It takes on average 2 to 3 months from new growth appearing to a fully developed flower spike, ready to bloom. If lucky, the plant will send out another bloom stalk after cutting it above one of the nodes. Some believe that by doing so, the plant sent out new shoots along its growing medium from the original rhizome.