Cut back flower stems after the blooms fade, trimming to above budding leaves. Dendrobium Orchid. When the last flower fades, you can leave the spike (stem) on and it will still continue flowering but the stem gets very ungainly and the flowers get smaller. Cut the spike. "Dead head" or prune any stems with dead flowers on healthy orchids. Dendrobium Orchid. After flowers fall off, use a sterile razor blade to cut the flower spike and discard the tool after a single use. When the last flower fades, you can leave the spike (stem) on and it will still continue flowering but the stem gets very ungainly and the flowers get smaller. Wait for the orchid's flowers to fade and fall off the plant. Here’s how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids after they bloom. Check if the stem is still green and plump. Wondering where to cut your Dendrobium orchid spike after it flowers?You are not alone! An orchid eye is a tiny bulb or scale at the base of a stem. When it comes to orchid plants, it’s usually the exquisite flowers and buds that simply takes us away. Wait for the orchid's flowers to fade and fall off the plant. Optionally, you can disinfect a cutting tool with alcohol or flame it to kill germs. Now my flowers have fallen off. If your orchid has any stems that are brown or yellow and shriveled, they will not produce any more flowers, so pruning the stems is not recommended. Instead, cut these stems off completely. This orchid provides purplish blooms in early spring and lush green leaves in summer. After your orchid has finished blooming and all of the flowers have fallen off, there are a few orchid care instructions that you should follow. But I noticed the soil was so wet I cut back on watering to 2 weeks. Some people believe it is best to cut off the stem entirely at the base where it comes out of the leaves, and it will bloom again in several months. Learn more about different orchid parts here. My problem is the stem. After the flowers fall off the stem starts to die, the stalk is ready to be cut at the base. As it grows back, it will have stronger roots, bigger leaves and larger blooms. Cut Back the Orchid Flower Spike. If a spike is not cut back, it usually starts to yellow and wither as the plant removes energy from the area. Cut the stem down to the level of the soil if it is brown. After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely.