--- title: "I’ve never had an orchid live this long!!! The blooms have fallen (I…" description: "I’ve never had an orchid live this long!!! The blooms have fallen (I learned this is normal). Do I now trim the stem? Where?" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/7uNVxztZ0usmpwWgnOdik8" community: "The Orchid Oasis" author: "Show me the Greens!" published: "2025-07-15T21:36:02.172255Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/1mJqRbGDRD64C5x3l2xn0g.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Orchid Oasis](https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ.md) # I’ve never had an orchid live this long!!! The blooms have fallen (I… _Posted by Show me the Greens! on 2025-07-15_ I’ve never had an orchid live this long!!! The blooms have fallen (I learned this is normal). Do I now trim the stem? Where? ![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/1mJqRbGDRD64C5x3l2xn0g.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/ZdcTOVRqSySaR34RrlwpMg.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/qu3aklyhSD6XA-bhniz3OA.webp?size=large) ## 3 comments ### Waspinator commented on 2025-07-16 As long as the stem is green, you can keep it. The orchid may or may not choose to reuse it the next time it blooms. If it dries up or you prefer to remove it for aesthetic reasons, cut it close to the bottom, being careful not to damage the leaves or center stem. Rebloom time varies widely based on growing conditions, but an especially happy orchid can make new flowers in about three months ### EllaBea’s Forest commented on 2025-07-16 If you cut it just below the lowest flower, it sometimes sprouts more blooms. ### Jen commented on 2025-07-17 2 options- yes, cutting about 1/2 an inch above the lowest growth node that did not produce a flower can get you a second blooming on this flower spike, as long as it doesn’t brown and dry out. It’s about 50/50 that you’ll get a second blooming. It’s usually a smaller amount of flowers than the first time. Or, just cut it down to the base. It allows the orchid to put all its energy into growing its leaves and roots for this period of the year, making it a healthier and more long term option in my opinion. Then with proper care, your orchid will give you a new flower spike that, in my experience, has more/bigger/and more vibrant flowers than a secondary blooming on a single spike. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_