OrchidWeb - Where to cut your Phalaenopsis flower spike

[visceralanding]

so, if it's not a first time bloom, then where do you cut?

[informant007]

So we cut approximately between nodes, a little closer to the lower node. But, how far down? If you cut fairly low, will the new spike grow long enough to about match the previous spike length? Or, is it better to cut higher if you want a longer stemmed orchid? Also, after cutting, you don't do anything to sterilize the ends? I've heard some people recommend using cinnamon, as a natural antiseptic.

[orchidweb]

@informant007

The higher you cut the spike, the higher the extended new spike will be. Generally the nodes from the middle of the spike to the top of the spike re-branch the easiest.

We sterilize before we cut the spikes, but do nothing afterwards. They will slowly dry off themselves. Untreated, it certainly could allow for infection, but we don't see plants infected from the spikes often. Cinnamon powder is a good bacteria/fungus preventative measure.