---
title: "Rescued this poor baby from the trash at my work. It’s looking much…"
description: "Rescued this poor baby from the trash at my work. It’s looking much better, but was wondering if I need to trim the stems all the way down, or do I keep…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/AwV3CU7H1x4YLCM3HjBEux"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "L. Neddo"
published: "2025-03-22T01:57:51.566159Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K08oy5aqervmgShbECOvSf6Ghp8HTLKpkFjXiNkEkDM/CYG8R0LaQQO6QKVg4As1QA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Rescued this poor baby from the trash at my work. It’s looking much…

_Posted by L. Neddo on 2025-03-22_

Rescued this poor baby from the trash at my work. It’s looking much better, but was wondering if I need to trim the stems all the way down, or do I keep tending to it and hoping it will eventually bloom again? Before and after pics attached- the grey container is before, rest are current.

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K08oy5aqervmgShbECOvSf6Ghp8HTLKpkFjXiNkEkDM/CYG8R0LaQQO6QKVg4As1QA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K08oy5aqervmgShbECOvSf6Ghp8HTLKpkFjXiNkEkDM/Z3LTGyCLQg68_nDQ23EvEA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K08oy5aqervmgShbECOvSf6Ghp8HTLKpkFjXiNkEkDM/1_uxLuCaRz2AdtAUNtdRnQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K08oy5aqervmgShbECOvSf6Ghp8HTLKpkFjXiNkEkDM/x3lk5Oe1RNeVEvH_WgGTCw.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Jamie 🫶🏻 commented on 2025-03-22

Personally I’d trim them! Let it focus on reviving itself rather than trying to use its energy to bloom.

#### L. Neddo replied on 2025-03-22

Ok, thanks for the advice! Should I trim them all the way down?

#### Jamie 🫶🏻 replied on 2025-03-22

I would repot it in orchid bark, then I would trim down to the last node

#### Ama the plant Mama. replied on 2025-03-22

Yes

### Ama the plant Mama. commented on 2025-03-22

This orchid looks like it was planted in soil. That will not let it survive. Repot it in orchid bark. Also cutback the stalks. Good luck!

#### L. Neddo replied on 2025-03-22

Oh thank you, had no idea about the orchid bark!

#### Jen replied on 2025-03-22

Regular soil will basically smother the roots, resulting in root rot. Orchids require water around their roots, but need pockets of air, which is why they are planted in bark and sphagnum mixes. If you are repotting anyway, consider using a clear plastic ventilated pot so you can keep an eye on the roots.  
I would also second cutting back the flower spikes to the base. When it is strong enough, and grown some new leaves and roots, it will give you a new flower spike.

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